L  I  E)  R.AR.Y 

OF   THE 

U  N  I  VLR5ITY 

or    ILLINOIS 

286 

W15 
cop,3 


lUiwuib  !iioiUi;y  iOKvtY 
LIBRARY 


•'V-T  w'- 


■■■;^N^i.»,jv,t^;: 


HISTORY 


OP  THE 


SPRINGFIELD  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 


WITH 


SKETCHES  OF  THE  CHURCHES  OF  WHICH  IT  IS  COMPOSED, 


AND 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  OF  DECEASED  MIXISTEES. 


BY  EDWIN  S.  WALKER,  A.  M. 


"The  study  of  our  history  will  evoke  and  sustain  a  true  denomina- 
tional spirit,  and  so  minister  effectually  to  the  progress  and  triumph  of 
our  distinctive  principles.  Our  fathers  labored  itinerating  amonff  the 
new  settlements  of  this  country:  and  planting  the  seeds  of  the  gospel 
with  the  first  opening  of  the  soil  to  cultivation,  they  understood  with 
distinctness  the  character  of  their  work,  and  felt  its  high  inspiration. 
Wo  shall  catch  their  spirit  by  studying  their  deeds." 

Sewall  S.  Cutting,  D.  D. 


SPRINGFIELD,  ILLINOIS: 

H.  W.  RoKKEE,  Printer  and  Binder. 

1881. 


TO 

MARTIN  B.  ANDERSON.  LL.D. 

PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  ROCHESTER,  NEW  YORK 

IN  MEMOKT  OF  HIS  KINDNESS  AS  MT  TEACHEE,  AND  OF  HIS 
LIFE-LONG  FEIENDSHIP, 

THIS  BOOK  IS  AFFECTIONATELY  INSCRIBED  BY 
THE  AUTHOR. 


W/5 


A-. 


3 


PREFACE 


-♦♦♦- 


This  volume  embraces  the  first  half-century  of  the  Baptist  annals 
of  Central  Illinois.  The  purpose  intended  in  its  preparation  has  been 
to  place  upon  permanent  record  such  facts  connected  with  the  early- 
settlement  of  the  country,  and  the  planting  of  its  religious  institu- 
tions, as  shall  show  to  the  present  and  future  generations  what  inter- 
est was  taken  by  the  fathers  in  laying  the  foundations  of  society  upon 
the  firm  basis  of  the  Gospel.  The  sources  from  which  these  facts 
have  been  drawn  are  the  very  complete  records  of  the  Baptist  Church 
in  Springfield,  and  the  original  records  of  the  Association,  together 
with  a  complete  file  of  its  minutes  from  its  organization  to  the  pres- 
ent time.  In  addition  to  these,  the  minutes  of  the  American  Baptist 
Home  Mission  Society,  and  those  of  the  Illinois  Baptist  Convention, 
as  also  of  the  Baptist  General  Association  of  Illinois,  have  furnished 
incidental  facts  which  have  been  woven  into  the  wai-p  and  woof  of  the 
book. 

In  addition  to  the  documents  thus  made  use  of,  valuable  infor- 
mation has  been  furnished  from  the  personal  recollection  of  persons 
still  living,  who  were  among  the  constituent  members  of  the  Associ- 
ation, Of  these,  and  worthy  of  special  mention,  is  our  venerable 
brother,  Josiah  Francis,  who  was  a  delegate  from  the  Springfield 
Church  to  the  Association  in  1838,  and  who  was  also  its  Treasurer 
from  1840  until  1850.  Intimately  connected  with  all  our  denomi- 
national interests  for  the  last  forty-five  years,  and  with  his  natural 
vigor  of  intellect  stiU  unabated,  he  has  given  from  his  personal 
knowledge  many  facts  which  hitherto  have  been  preserved  only  in 
\^    his  memory,  but  are  now  embraced  in  these  pages. 


Peeface. 


The  most  scrupulous  care  has  been  taken  to  preserve  historical 
data,  and  to  secure  accuracy  of  statement  upon  every  point  within 
the  sphere  of  inquiry  proposed.  The  method  chosen  has  been  to  let 
the  fathers  speak  for  themselves,  in  the  resohxtions  which  were 
passed,  in  the  reports  made,  and  in  the  action  taken  from  year  to 
year  in  the  furtherance  of  the  work  of  giving  the  Gospel  to  the 
world.  The  providential  planting  of  our  Foreign  Missions  in  Burmah 
was  the  era  whence  dates,  if  not  the  beginning,  yet  the  more  vigor- 
ous growth  of  the  Missionary  spirit  in  our  own  land. 

The  impetus  given  by  reports  from  the  foreign  field  is  traceable  in 
the  early  work  of  the  Association,  within  its  owti  bounds.  The  record 
made  by  the  fathers  of  forty  years  ago,  shows  that  whatever  elements 
of  weakness  were  peculiar  to  the  churches,  they  also  had  elements  of 
strength;  they  earnestly  contended  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to 
the  Saints,  as  they  understood  it.  They  were  sturdy  Baptists. 
They  believed  something  and  they  did  not  seek  to  conceal  that  faith 
under  any  pretentious  form  of  liberality.  They  were  persuaded  that 
they  held  God's  truth  and  were  always  ready  to  declare  it.  The 
SuMMAKY  OF  PRINCIPLES  which  they  adopted  as  their  Confession  of 
Faith  was,  as  will  be  seen,  brief  and  imperfect,  yet  it  served  to  iden- 
tifiy  them  with  the  great  Baptist  family,  which  was  enrolled  under  the 
Confession  of  the  seven  churches  in  England,  in  1643,  and  the  later 
and  more  complete  Confession  of  1689,  which,  with  emendations, 
subsequently  became  known  as  the  Philadelphia  Confession. 

The  earliest  Baptist  churches  in  Central  Illinois,  were  constituted, 
in  the  main,  of  members  who  emigrated  from  Kentucky,  and  hence, 
brought  with  them  the  creed-statements  of  the  churches  of  that 
State.  These  creed-statements  were,  at  length,  modified  by  the 
commingling  and  intermixture  of  the  New  England  element,  which  a 
few  years  later  came  in  to  do  its  work  in  laying  the  foundations  of 
society  in  the  great  west,  so  that  now  every  church  connected  with 
the  Springfield  Baptist  Association  holds  the  New  Hampshire  Confes- 
sion, as  its  Declaration  of  Faith. 


Cektificate  of  Incoeporation. 


it4ti  it  taiiati,  • 

DEPARTMENT  OP  STATE. 

GEORGE  H.  HARLOW,  Secretary  of  State. 

To  A^iiom  these  Presents  shall  come — Greeting: 

WHEREAS,  A  Certificate  duly  signed  and  acknoAvledged,  having  been 
Jilod  in  the  Office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  on  tlie  eightli  day  of 
September,  A.  D.  1880,  for  the  organization  of  the 

SPRINGFIELD  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

Under  and  in  accordance  witli  tlie  provisions  of  "  An  act  concerning 
Corporations,"  approved  April  18tn,  1872,  and  in  force  July  1, 1872; 

Now  therefore,  I,  Geokge  H.  Harlow,  Secretary  of  State  of  the  S'ate 
of  Illinois,  by  virtue  of  the  powei'S  and  duties  vested  in  me  by  law, 
do  hereby  certify  that  the  said 

Springfield  Baptist  Association, 

Is  a  legally  organized  Corporation  under  the  laws  of  this  State. 

In  Testimony  whereof,  I  hereto  set  my  hand,  and  cause  to  be  affixed 
the  Great  Seal  of  State. 

Done  at  the  city  of  Springfield,  this  eighth  day  of  September,  in 

the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eighty, 

and  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States,  the  one  hundred 

and  fifth. 

GEORGE  H.  HAKLOAV, 

[L.S]  Secretary  of  State. 


CONTENTS. 


»_»- 

« 

Page. 

Inteoduction 'J 

CHAPTER  FIRST. 

Organization  of  the  Association 14 

Constitution  of  the  Association 15 

First  Annual  Meeting 17 

Resolutions  of  first  meeting 16, 18 

First  Missionary  work 21 

Education  of  the  Ministry 23 

Exemplary  Christian  zeal  of  a  new  church 25 

Sunday  Schools,  and  the  education  of  the  young,  of  every  color 

and  condition 26 

Temperance  Societies 29 

Obituary  of  first  Clerk  of  the  Association 30 

Growth  of  the  Missionary  Spirit 34 

Home  Mission  Society  and  its  work 35 

Character  and  work  of  Pioneer  Preachers 36 

Summary  of  Church  letters.  1848 38, 39 

Kesolutions  for  Christian  work 40 

Ministerial  destitution 41 


Contents. 


CHAPTEE  SECOND. 

Growth  of  the  Churches 43 

Ministerial  Education 44 

State  Missionary  organization 45 

Associational  Missionary  appointed 47 

Report  of  Associational  Missionary 50,53 

Fidelity  to  Baptist  principles C4 

Sunday  School  report 56 

CHAPTEK  THIED. 

Statistical  table  for  1860 .■ C() 

Besolution  respecting  the  civil  war 61 

Circular  letter,  and  Christian  Patriotism 62 

Resolution  of  fidelity  to  the  government 64 

Seven  ringing  Resolutions  on  state  of  the  country 65,66 

Revised  Constitution  of  the  Association 67 

Report  of  Special  Committee  on  Sunday  School  work 70 

Work  among  the  Freedmen 71 

Report  of  Committee  on  the  closing  of  the  Civil  War 72 

Large  accessions  to  the  Churches 73,77 

Resolutions  for  general  Christian  work 75 

Growth  of  the  Churches 78 

Report  of  Committee  on  Associational  Work 79 

Christian  and  Ministerial  Education 80 

Sunday  School  work 81 


8  Contents. 


CHAPTEE  FOUBTH. 

Discussion  of  Sunday  School  topics 82 

Note  of  growth  and  progress 84 

Domestic  Missionary  outloolc 80 

Home  and  Foreign  Missions,  Temperance,  Education 88 

Centenary  Eesolutions 89 

Woman's  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society 92 

Associational  Missionary  report 94 

Central  Baptist  Church,  Springfield 95,96 

Betrospect 98 

Incorporation  of  the  Association 99 

Amendments  to  the  Constitution  proposed 99 

APPENDIX. 

Work  of  the  American  BaptistHome  Mission  Society 101 

Home  Missionary  Table ] 03 

Church  Record  of  Association 106 

Table  of  Churches 107 

Historical  Table  of  the  Association 108 

List  of  Pastors  from  organization 110 

Historical  Sketches  of  Churches 112 

Biographical  Sketches  of  deceased  Pastors 129 

Conclusion 139 


INTRODUCTION, 


TN  the  year  1830,  there  were  only  four  Baptist  Churches  in 
i  the  State  of  Ilhnois,  which  were  what  might  be  termed 
Missionary  Churches.  At  that  time  there  prevailed  very 
extensively  in  Illinois,  as  in  nearly  every  Western  State, 
a  spirit  of  opposition  to  missionary  effort,  which  cast  its 
chilling  influence  over  society.  The  heterogeneous  char- 
acter of  the  population  which  first  settled  in  those 
counties  embraced  within  the  bounds  of  the  Springfield 
Baptist  Association,  so  widely  differing  in  origin,  habits 
and  education,  made  the  labors  of  the  ministers  of  Christ 
at  once  difficult  and  arduous. 

The  United  Baptist  Church,  of  Springfield,  constituted 
July  17,  1830,  with  eight  members,  adopted  the  following 
Summary  of  Principles.  This  being  the  oldest  church 
organizatipn,  save  one,  in  the  Association,  and  the  one 
from  which  several  others  sprung,  adopting  the  same 
Summary  of  Principles,  they  are  worthy  of  permanent 
record  here.  They  remained  unchanged  in  the  Spring- 
field Church  until  1865,  when  they  ^ere  superceded  by 
the  adoption  of  the  Articles  of  Faith,  known  as  the 
New  Hampshire  Confession : 

SUMMAEY  OF  PRINCIPLES. 

1st.  We  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  to 
be  of  Divine  Aitthority,  and  the  only  Infallible  rule  of  Faith  and 
Practice. 

2d.     We  believe  in  one  only  true  and  living  God,  the  Father,  the 
Word  or  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  equal  in  wisdom,  power  and  glory. 
—2 


10  Springfield,  Illinois, 

3d.  We  believe  in  the  total  depravity  of  human  nature,  and  that  a 
recovery  from  that  situation  is  wholly  and  entirely  of  the  sovereign, 
free,  unmerited  grace  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 

4th.  We  believe  that  God  purposed,  in  himself,  for  his  own  glory,  to 
make  a  display  of  his  Wisdom,  Power,  Justice,  Goodness  and  Faith, 
in  the  works  of  Creation,  which  he  hath  made  in  the  Dispensation  of 
his  Providence. 

5th.  We  believe  that  God  from  eternity  proposed  to  save  a  people 
from  their  sins,  for  his  Holy  name  sake,  and  that  Infinite  wisdom  de- 
vised the  plan  and  appointed  every  means  necessary  to  accomplish 
the  great  end  of  their  redemption,  which  he  effects  in  his  own  time 
by  the  operation  of  his  Holy  Spirit. 

6th.  We  believe  that  sinners  are  justified  before  God,  alone  by 
Righteousness  of  Jesus  Christ,  imputed  to  them. 

7th.  We  believe  the  doctrine  of  atonement  for  sin  by  the  suffering 
and  death  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

8th.  We  believe  all  such  as  are  bom  of  the  Spirit  of  God  are  kept 
by  the  power  of  God,  through  faith,  unto  eternal  salvation. 

9th.  We  believe  that  good  works  are  effects  of  the  faith  of  God's 
elect,  and  follow  being  born  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  in  this  point  of 
view  are  evidence  of  a  gracious  state. 

10th.  We  believe  Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper  are  ordinances  of 
the  Gospel  instituted  by  Jesus  Christ,  and  none  but  those  who  pro- 
fess faith  in  Christ  and  obedience  to  his  will  are  fit  subjects  of  either. 

11th.  We  believe  immersion,  according  to  the  Scriptures  and  Apos- 
tle's practice  to  be  the  only  proper  mode  of  Baptism. 

13th.  We  believe  the  sanctity  of  the  First  Day  of  the  week,  or 
Lord's  Day,  ought  to  be  observed  and  spent  in  public  or  private  wor- 
ship of  God,  and  that  we  should  abstain  from  our  worldly  concerns, 
exaept  in  cases  of  necessity  and  mercy. 

lath.  We  believe  in  the  resurrection  of  the  body,  both  of  the  just 
and  the  unjust,  and  that  the  Son  will  judge  the  world  in  righteous- 
ness by  that  Man  whom  he  has  appointed. 

14th.  We  believe  the  righteous  will  abide  in  the  peaceful  presence 
of  God  their  Redeemer,  and  his  pardoning  grace  and  forgiving  love 
to  be  the  theme  of  their  song;  while  the  wicked  shall  remain  in  ever- 
lasting torment. 


_  Elder  Aaron  Vandeveer,  who  assisted  in  its  organiza- 
tion, was  very  soon  after  called  to  "take  pastoral  care  of 
the  church,  to  attend  her  whenever  he  can,"  which  call 
he  accepted,  and  continued  to  serve  as  pastor  for  five 
years,  preaching  once  a  month. 

During  the  first  year  of  its  history,  the  church  united  with 
the  Sangamon  Association,  which  organization  was  made 
up  of  five  or  six  small  Anti-Mission  Baptist  Churches 
in  the  vicinity.    During  the  pastorate  of  Elder  Vandeveer 


Baptist  Association.  11 


there  were  ten  additions  to  the  church  by  baptism  and 
eighty  by  letter  and  experience.  In  no  essential  particu- 
lar did  the  church  at  that  time  differ  from  other  Anti- 
Mission  Churches  in  the  Association. 

Illustrative  of  the  customs  of  that  day  is  a  recorded  case 
of  discipline  in  the  church,  wherein  one  Deacon  John 
Owens,  was  called  to  account,  by  the  church,  to  answer 
for  the  use  of  unguarded  expressions  made  to  Elder  Van- 
deveer,  pastor  of  the  church,  and  who,  in  answering  for 
himself,  made  the  plea  of  justification  by  proving  by 
brethren  present  that  Elder  Yandeveer  did  drink  in  their 
presence  an  immoderate  quantity  of  ardent  spirits,  and 
was  very  much  intoxicated  at  two  several  times,  on  one  of 
which  it  is  supposed  the  alleged  "unguarded  expressions" 
were  used  by  the  Deacon  to  his  pastor. 

From  1835  to  1836  the  church  was  without  a  pastor. 
During  this  interval  Chas  B.  Francis  and  Josiah  Francis, 
formerly  members  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Pittsfield, 
Massachusetts,  became  connected  with  the  church,  and 
brought  with  them  those  ideas  of  the  objects  and  mission 
of  Christian  Churches  which  were  common  to  the  churches 
of  New  England.  Previous  to  that  time  there  was  no  in- 
terest taken  by  the  church  in  missions,  either  home  or 
foreign.  The  results  of  the  labors  of  Dr.  Judson  had  then 
just  begun  to  be  made  known  in  this  country,  and  grow- 
ing out  of  the  success  of  the  foreign  missionary  work  and 
its  necessities,  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  was 
founded  in  1836,  as  a  coadjutor  of  the  American  Baptist 
Missionary  Union.  The  American  Baptist  Home  Mission 
Society,  organized  in  1832,  had  just  begun  to  prosecute 
its  work  in  Central  Illinois,  one  of  its  earliest  fields  of 
labor.  Monthly  concerts  of  prayer  for  missions  had 
been  for  sometime  observed  by  our  churches  in  the  Atlan- 
tic States.  To  introduce  their  observance  here  at  the 
West,  among  Anti-Mission  Churches  was  no  easy  service. 
Bro.  C.  B.  Francis,  however,  with  an  earnest  zeal  in  the 
service  of  his  Master,  commenced  by  inviting  members  of 
the  church  to  his  house  to  read  and  talk  over  the  news 
from  Dr.  Judson  and  other  missionaries  in  the  foreign 
field.  These  meetings  were  the  first  Monthly  Concerts  of 
prayer  for  missions  ever  held  in  Illinois,  though  without 


y 


12  Springfield,  Illinois, 


that  name  at  the  time,  for  to  have  given  them  that  name 
Mould  have  defeated  the  object  itself.  As  these  meetings 
were  repeated,  the  interest  felt  by  brother  Francis  was 
communicated  to  others  and  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  was 
manifest. 

In  October,  1836,  the  church  extended  a  call  to  Eev. 
Jonathan  Merriam,  of  Passumpsic  Village,  Vermont,  to 
take  the  pastoral  care  thereof,  which  was  accepted.  Mr. 
Merriam  was  then  in  the  prime  of  life,  a  stalwart  man  in 
both  body  and  mind.  After  reaching  manhood  he  devoted 
himself  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  Haying  previously 
enjoyed  only  such  advantages  for  education  as  were  af- 
forded by  the  common  schools  of  New  England,  when 
about  thirty  years  of  age  he  spent  two  years  study- 
ing English  branches  and  Theology,  at  Columbian  College, 
Washington,  D.  C,  then  under  the  presidency  of  the  elo- 
quent Dr.  William  Staughton,  somewhat  of  whose  spirit 
and  zeal  he  imbibed  and  carried  into  the  work  of  his 
ministry. 

He  entered  upon  his  work  in  Springfield  with  an  earn- 
est purpose,  and  prosecuted  it  with  success.  Previous  to 
that  time  the  church  had  no  Covenant,  and  after  full  con- 
sideration one  was  drafted  and  adopted. 

At  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Sangamon  Association, 
in  1831),  a  resolution  was  passed  changing  the  name  of  the 
association  from  "United  Baptist"  to  "Eegular  Baptist" 
as  a  measure  of  resistance  to  the  influences  akeady  set  at 
work  in  the  Springfield  Church,  to  countenance  and  pro- 
mote  the  cause  of  Missions,  Sunday  schools,  Bible  socie-  n 
ties  and  Temperance  societies.  *^ 

In  July,  1837,  the  Springfield  Baptist  Church  took  up 
the  minutes  of  the  Sangamon  Association,  above  referred 
to,  for  consideration,  when  it  was  Resolved,  that  if  tho 
said  Association  at  its  next  meeting  refuse  to  reconsided 
the  resolution  passed  in  1836,  by  which  the  name  of  the 
Association  was  changed  from  "  United "  to  "Eegular 
Baptist,"  fhe  delegates  of  the  church  be  instructed  to 
have  the  letter  of  the  church  entered  upon  the  records  of 
the  Association,  and  withdraw  therefrom.  The  delegates 
of  the  church  attended  the  Association,  and  upon  presen- 


Baptist  Association.  13 


tation  of  the  letter  of  the  church  were  refused  a  hearing, 
and  all  action  upon  its  request  was  evaded. 

On  the  15th  of  September,  the  church,  upon  hearing 
the  report  of  its  delegates,  voted  to  take  immediate  steps 
to  organize  a  new  Association,  and  a  meeting  for  that 
purpose  was  appointed  to  be  holden  in  Springfield  on  the 
7th  of  October,  following.  Invitations  were  sent  to  such 
other  churches  and  individuals  as  were  known  to  be  in 
sympathy  with  such  a  movement  to  organize  an  Associa- 
tion, to  consist  of  such  churches,  and  such  only,  as  were 
based  upon  "Gospel  Principles,"  which  would  cooperate 
with  all  organized  forms  of  Christian  benevolence,  to  send 
delegates  to  the  proposed  Convention. 

Previous  to  the  time  fixed  for  the  assembling  of  the 
Convention,  in  order  to  place  itself  squarely  upon  record, 
the  Springfield  Church  passed  the  following : 

"Resolved,  That  any  member  of  this  church  who  is 
dissatisfied  with  it  on  account  of  its  being  favorably  dis- 
posed to  the  cause  of  Missions,  Bible  Societies,  Sabbath 
Schools  and  Temperance,  and  desires  to  withdraw  from  it 
on  that  account,  be  granted  his  or  her  request,  on  appli- 
cation to  the  church,  with  a  letter  certifying  the  cause  of 
separation." 


14 


Spkingfield,  Illinois, 


CHAPTER  I. 


IN  compliance  with  the  invitation  given,  such  a  Conven- 
tion met  in  the  house  of  worship  of  the  Baptist  Church 
in  Springfield,  on  the  7th  day  of  October,  1837.  It  was 
called  to  order  by  Eev.  Jonathan  Merriam,  and,  on  motion, 
Eev.  Jonathan  Sweet  was  chosen  chairman,  and  Charles 
B.  Francis,  clerk. 

Delegates  from  the  following  named  Churches  presented 
their  credentials  as  members  of  the  Convention. 


Churches. 

Delegates. 

No.  OP 
Members. 

Springfield. . . . 

Jonathan  Merriam,  Charles  B.  Francis, 
Foley  Vaughn,  J.  C.  Crowder 

86 

DiamondjGrrove 

Jonathan  Sweet,  Joel  Sweet,  Peris 
Holmes 

37 

Island  Grove . . 

Richard  Rhea,  John  Rhea 

33 

Salt  Creek 

Wm.  Randolph,  Obed  Hooper 

14 

Indian  Creek. . 
Mount  Tabor. . 

Wm.  Kinner,  D.  Conover,  James  Daniels. 
Eli  Barbre,  Elias  Copenbarger 

40 
10 

Total 

210 

After  mature  deliberation  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  deem  it  expedient  to 
proceed  to  the  organization  of  an  Association. 

A  committee,  consisting  of  Jonathan  Merriam,  Joel 
Sweet,  William  Kinner,  Eichard  Eliea,  William  Eandolph, 
Eli  Barbre  and  Charles  B.  Francis,  was  appointed  to 
draft  and  report  a  Constitution  and  Eules  of  Order  for 
the  proposed  Association. 


Baptist  Association,  15 


The  committee  reported  the  following,  which,  having 
been  considered,  article  by  article,  was  unanimously 
adopted : 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article  1.  This  body  shall  be  called  the  Springfield  Baptist 
Association. 

Article  2.  This  body  shall  be  composed  of  churches  embracing 
in  substance  the  following  summary  of  Christian  doctrine : 

The  existence  of  God ;  the  Holy  Trinity ;  Divine  inspiration  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures ;  apostacy  and  total  depravity  of  all  mankind ;  Jesus 
Christ  the  only  Mediator,  revealed  to  us  as  God  manifest  in  the  flesh; 
sufficiency  of  His  atonement  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world ;  justifi- 
cation by  grace ;  perseverance  of  the  saints ;  future  happiness  of  the 
righteous;  endless  misery  of  the  wicked;  resurrection  of  the  dead; 
final  judgment,  and  the  imperative  duty  of  all  intelligent  creatures  to 
love,  serve  and  obey  God,  in  all  His  commands ;  also  in  believer's  bap- 
tism; the  Lord's  siipper,  the  peculiar  privilege  of  baptized  church 
members,  and  the  religious  observance  of  the  first  day  of  the  week 
as  the  Christian  Sabbath. 

Article  3.  The  officers  of  this  body  shall  be  a  Moderator,  Clerk, 
and  Treasurer. 

Article  4.  The  object  of  this  body  shall  be  to  promote  by  corres- 
pondence and  personal  intercourse,  unity  of  faith  and  practice,  fellow- 
ship, cordiality  of  feeling,  and  union  of  effort  in  promoting  Missionary, 
Education,  and  other  objects  connected  with  the  interests  of  Zion. 

Article  5.  Churches  composing  this  body  shall  meet  annually  by 
their  delegates,  at  such  time  and  place  as  shall  be  previously  desig- 
nated. 

Article  6.  Chiirches  composing  this  body  shall  send,  by  their  del- 
egates, letters,  exhibiting  their  alterations  for  the  past  year,  and  their 
present  state. 

Article  7.  This  body  shall  recognize  the  power  and  independence 
of  the  churches;  and  in  no  case  exercise  any  authority  or  jvirisdiction 
over  them.  Nevertheless,  it  shall  have  power  to  drop  from  its  con- 
nection any  church  which  in  the  opinion  of  the  body  may  have  essen- 
tially departed  from  the  faith  or  practice  of  the  gospel ;  and  to  pre- 
clude from  a  seat  in  her  meeting  any  minister  or  delegate,  who  is 
manifestly  corrupt,  either  in  principle  or  practice ;  and  the  facts  in 
either  case,  may  be  ascertained  in  any  way,  not  incompatible  with  the 
rules  of  the  Gospel. 

Article  8.  This  constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  regular 
meeting,  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present,  provided 
notice  shall  have  been  given  of  the  proposed  amendments  at  a  previ- 
ous meeting. 


RULES  OF  ORDER. 

1.     The  annual  meeting  of  this  body  shall  be  holden  on  the  Wednes- 
day preceding  the  first  Thursday  in  October,  at  ten  o'clock  A.  M. 


16  Spkingfield,  Illinois, 


2.  At  each  annual  meeting  a  moderator  shall  be  chosen,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  preside  in  all  its  meetings,  give  the  hand  of  fellow- 
ship to  the  churches  to  be  received,  direct  the  business  of  the  body ; 
keep  order  and  put  to  vote  any  motion  when  duly  seconded  after 
suitable  discussion,  if  not  withdrawn. 

3.  A  clerk  shall  be  chosen  once  in  four  years,  whose  duty  it  shaD 
be  to  enter  in  a  book  provided  for  that  purpose,  all  the  doings  of  this 
body ;  and  perform  such  other  duties  as  are  usually  assigned  to  such 
an  officer,  and  transmit  to  his  successor  any  papers  belonging  to  this 
body. 

4.  A  treasurer  shall  also  be  chosen  once  in  four  years,  whose  duty 
it  shall  be  to  receive  and  safely  keep  all  moneys  belonging  to  this 
body,  and  pay  them  oiit  only  as  directed  by  this  body,  (unless  specified 
by  the  donor)  and  transmit  to  his  successor  in  office  the  books,  together 
with  the  moneys  that  may  remain  in  his  hands,  at  the  expiration  of 
his  office. 

5.  There  shall  be  a  sermon  at  the  opening  of  each  annual  session. 

6.  Any  church  applying  for  admission  into  this  body,  after  giving 
satisfaction  of  being  sound  in  faith  and  practice,  may  be  received. 

7.  Any  church,  wishing  to  withdraw  from  this  body,  is  at  liberty  so 
to  do,  and  shall  not  be  considered  out  of  fellowship  on  that  account. 

8.  Any  church  not  represented  for  three  successive  years,  shall  be 
dropped  from  the  minutes. 

9.  This  body  shall  publish  its  doings  annually. 

10.  Visiting  brethren  shall  be  invited  to  a  seat  with  us,  and  allowed 
to  discuss  all  subjects  but  not  to  vote. 

11.  No  delegate  shall  absent  himself  in  time  of  business,  without 
leave  of  the  chair. 

12.  Every  person  wishing  to  speak,  shall  first  rise  from  his  seat,  and 
respectfully  address  the  chairman,  and  speak  on  no  one  subject  more 
than  twice,  without  special  permission. 

13.  All  personal  reflections  shall  be  particularly  avoided,  in  all  the 
deliberations  of  this  body. 

14.  No  subject  shall  be  discussed  without  a  motion  made  and  sec- 
onded, and  reduced  to  writing,  if  required. 

15.  If.  when  a  motion  has  been  made  and  seconded,  a  member 
opposes  its  being  discuxsed,  the  chair  shall  immediately  put  this  ques- 
tion, "  Shall  this  question  be  discussed V"  which,  if  negatived,  shall  be 
dismissed. 

16.  If  any  proposition  under  debate  contains  two  or  more  points,  it 
shall  be  divided  at  the  request  of  any  member,  and  the  vote  taken 
separately . 

17.  The  first  motion  and  last  amendment,  the  largest  sum,  and  the 
most  distant  day,  shall  have  the  preference  in  the  order  they  stand. 
Motions  for  adjournment  shall  always  be  in  order. 

18.  The  Rules  of  Order  may  be  altered  by  a  majority  of  votes,  at 
any  annual  meeting. 


Baptist  Association.  17 


The  Association  being  thus  organized,  Eev.  Jonathan 
Sweet  was  chosen  Moderator ;  Charles  B.  Francis,  Secre- 
tary, aiid  Foley  Vaughn,  Treasurer. 

Eesolutions  were  passed  at  this  session  cordially  approv- 
ing the  formation  and  objects  of  the  Amebic  an  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  expressive  of  the  judgment 
of  the  Association,  that  the  work  of  that  society  shoiild 
not  be  limited  to  the  foreign  field,  but  made  co-extensive 
with  the  wants  of  the  whole  world. 

It  was  also  resolved,  that  the  Association  recommend 
to  the  several  churches,  of  which  it  is  composed,  a  hearty 
co-operation  with  the  Illitstois  Baptist  Convention,  in  its 
efforts  to  build  up  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom. 

Delegates  were  appointed  to  represent  the  Association 
in  said  Convention  at  its  next  annual  meeting. 

It  was  voted  that  the  Constitution,  Eules  of  Order,  and 
proceedings  of  this  Association  be  sent  for  publication  to 
the  Banner  and  Pioneer,  a  Baptist  newspaper  published 
at  Louisville,  Kentucky. 

The  object  of  the  meeting  having  been  accomplished, 
the  Association  adjourned  to  hold  its  first  annual  meeting 
with  the  Church  in  Springfield. 


1838 

The  first  anniversary  of  the  Association  was  held  pur- 
suant to  adjournment,  on  the  3d  and  4th  days  of  October, 
1838.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Eev. 
Thomas  W.  Haynes,  of  Edwardsville,  from  Col.  ii,  8, 
after  which  the  Association  was  called  to  order  by  the 
Clerk,  and  Eev.  Jonathan  Merriam  was  chosen  Moderator. 

Two  new  Churches,  the  Sangamon  Bottom  Church,  con- 
sisting of  7  members,  located  in  Cass  county,  and  the 
Lebanon  Church,  located  at  Loami,  Sangamon  county, 
consisting  of  29  members,  were  received  into  the  Associa- 
tion, the  hand  of  fellowship  being  given  to  their  delegates 
by  the  Moderator.     The  Salt  Creek  Church,  in  Mason 


18  Springfield,  Illinois, 


county,  did  not  report  this  year,  and  was  no  longer  a 
member  of  the  Association. 

During  this  first  year  of  its  history,  the  Association  had 
increased  its  membership,  by  baptisms,  from  210  to  302. 
Two  venerable  fathers  in  the  ministry,  members  of  the 
Association,  Eev.  Jonathan  Sweet  and  Eev.  Wm.  Spencer, 
were,  during  the  year,  called  from  their  earthly  labors  to 
their  reward  on  high.  In  token  of  respect  for  their 
memory,  the  Association  resolved,  "that  while  we  bow  with 
submission  to  this  afflictive  dispensation,  and  deeply 
sympathize  with  their  bereaved  families  and  congrega- 
tions, we  feel  it  to  be  our  duty  to  labor  more  assiduously 
in  the  same  glorious  cause ;  and  pray  the  great  Head  of 
the  Church  that  He  will  send  forth  more  laborers,  equally 
faithful,  into  His  harvest."  This  brief  tribute  to  the 
memory  of  those  fallen  soldiers  of  the  cross — "faithful" — 
was,  to  those  who  remained,  an  index  of  character  which 
they  might  justly  emulate. 

The  following  resolutions  indicate  most  unmistakably 
the  scope  and  breadth  of  that  christian  enterprise  which 
characterized  the  founders  of  our  denomination  in  Central 
Illinois.  The  Sunday  School  work,  ministerial  educa- 
tion, temperance,  religious  publications,  missionary  work, 
sacred  music,  and  Sabbath  observance,  all  combined  to 
engage  the  attention  of  those  hardy  pioneers.  How  much 
we  owe  to  them  for  their  far-sighted  wisdom  in  the  begin- 
ning of  our  history,  we  may  never  know  in  full,  but  the 
great  Head  of  the  Church  will  never  forget : 

Resolved,,  That  we  highly  approve  of  Sabbath  Schools,  as  a  means 
both  of  mental  and  moral  improvement,  and  as  a  method  of  commu- 
nicating religious  instruction,  which  God  has  abundantly  blessed  to 
the  salvation  of  souls;  and  that  we  earnestly  recommend  that  the 
members  of  the  Churches  make  the  most  vigorous  efforts  to  sustain 
the  cause  by  a  persevering  attendance  themselves  as  learners  or  as 
teachers. 

While  we  recognize  the  strict  independence  of  each  gospel  Church, 
and  the  exclusive  right  of  every  Church  to  judge  of  the  qualifica- 
tions, and  the  internal  and  special  call  by  the  Holy  Ghost  of  any  of 
its  members  who  may  be  looking  forward  to  the  office  of  the  Gospel 
Ministry ; 

Resolved,  That  we  are  in  favor  of  an  intelligent  ministry,  and  recom- 
mend to  all  our  ministers,  and  to  those  designing  to  enter  the  ministry, 
to  ava?l  themselves  of  every  means  within  their  reach  to  attain,  by 


Baptist  Association.  19 


public  instruction  or  private  study,  to  the  highest  point  of  literary  and 
theological  improvement  within  their  power . 

Resolved,  That  the  difPusion  of  general  intelligence  in  regard  to  the 
progress  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  is  an  object  most  desirable,  and 
that  we  regard  it  as  the  duty  of  every  christian  parent,  who  has  the 
means,  to  furnish  himself  and  his  family  with  such  periodicals  as  will 
make  them  acquainted  with  all  the  great  religious  and  moral  enter- 
prises of  the  day. 

We  therefore  for  this  purpose  recommend  the  more  extensive 
patronage  of  the  Western  Pioneer. 

Resolved,  That  the  cause  of  temperance  commends  itself  to  the 
patronage  of  the  patriot,  philanthropist  and  christian,  and  therefore 
deserves  our  bold,  uncompromising  support. 

Resolved,  That  the  principles  and  objects  of  the  Illinois  Baptist  Con- 
vention, deserve  the  unqualiiied  approbation  of  all  Baptists  throughout 
the  State,  and  that  we  renew  our  recommendation  to  the  Churches 
represented  in  this  Association  to  contribute  to  its  funds  as  the  Lord 
shall  enable  them. 

Whereas,  The  cultivation  of  sacred  music,  besides  adding  interest 
to  the  exercises  of  religious  worship,  has  a  direct  tendency  to  aid  the 
cause  of  virtue  and  religion ;  therefore 

Resolved,  That  we  approve  of  all  efforts  which  tend  to  excite  more 
general  attention  to  this  important  subject,  and  believe  it  to  be  the 
duty  of  all,  so  far  as  practicable,  to  prepare  themselves  to  join  in  this 
part  of  divine  service. 

Resolved,  That  this  Association  regard  the  prosecution  of  a  journey 
on  any  part  of  the  Sabbath,  whether  by  ministers  or  Church  mem- 
bers, for  the  sake  of  convenience  or  of  avoiding  expense,  as  deserving 
of  special  notice,  and  unqualified  disapprobation. 

Resolved,  That  we  recommend  to  the  Churches,  according  to  their 
ability,  to  sustain  those  ministers  who  devote  themselves  to  their 
work,  whether  as  pastors  or  missionaries  to  the  destitute. 

Resolved,  That  we  recommend  to  the  several  Churches  composing 
this  body,  to  take  active  measures  to  procure  and  sustain  an  itinerating 
missionary,  to  labor  within  the  bounds  of  the  Association. 

Each  of  the  foregoing  resolutions  was  separately  con- 
sidered, and  passed  unanimously.  In  a  few  moments 
$200  were  pledged  to  put  the  last  one  into  effect,  and  a 
committee  of  three  was  appointed  to  secure  a  missionary. 
Five  delegates  were  appointed  to  represent  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  Illinois  Baptist  Convention  at  its  next  annual 
meeting. 

The  corresponding  letter  of  the  Association,  this  year, 
says: 

"  We  now  number  eight  Churches,  four  ordained  ministers,  and  one 
licentiate,  and  three  hundred  and  two  members.  One  hundred  and 
four  were  baptised  into  our  Churches  during  the  year. " 


20  Speingfield,  Illinois, 


Although  heset  by  all  the  difficulties  incident  to  life  in 
a  new  and  sparsely  settled  country,  these  little  churches 
"in  the  wilderness"  showed  most  remarkable  vigor,  and 
attained  wonderful  growth  during  this  first  year  of  their 
associational  history.  Fifty  per  cent  addition  to  their 
membership,  by  baptism,  is  a  ratio  seldom  reached  by  any 
Association  of  churches  in  this,  our  late  and  more  favored 
age.  It  is  a  record  of  wdiich  we  do  well  to  make  note,  as 
showing  how  our  Lord  used  the  zeal  and  the  talents  of 
those  plain,  and  many  of  them  uneducated  pioneers,  in  so 
impressing  the  great  truths  of  the  gospel  upon  the  hearts 
and  consciences  of  the  people,  that  such  marked  signs 
followed  and  blessed  their  work. 


1839 

On  the  2d  of  October,  1839,  the  Association  met  with 
the  Diamond  Grove  Church,  in  Morgan  county.  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Eev.  John  Sears, 
of  Wayne  county.  New  York,  from  Malachi  iii,  14,  after 
which  the  Association  was  called  to  order,  and  Eev.  Jona- 
than Meeriam  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  committee  appointed  at  the  last  annual  meeting  to 
carry  into  effect  the  resolution  providing  for  the  employ- 
ment of  an  itineratmg  missionary  within  the  bounds  of 
the  Association,  reported  that  immediately  after  the 
adjournment  of  the  Association,  they  secured  the  services 
of  the  Eev.  Jonathan  Merriam,  pastor  of  the  Springfield 
Church,  who,  upon  resigning  his  charge  of  that  church, 
entered  at  once  upon  his  missionary  labors.  Success 
attended  his  ministry.  God  blessed  the  truth  to  the  con- 
version of  sinners,  and  the  building  up  and  establishing 
of  the  churches  of  the  Lord  and  Saviour. 

From  the  report  of  Eev.  Mr.  Merriam,  still  preserved  in 
his  own  handwriting,  the  following  summary  is  given  of 
his  labors  during  the  year  : 


Baptist  Association.  21 


"Attended  185  religious  meetings ;  preached  89  sermons ;  constituted 
3  churcTies.  comprising  35  members;  baptized  23;  added  to  Churches 
by  letter,  15 ;  making  the  whole  number  gathered  into  Churches,  73 ; 
the  whole  number  converted  in  meetings,  in  which  I  have  taken  a 
part,  80;  distributed  several  thousand  pages  of  tracts;  received  on 
the  field,  $06.40;  received  of  Treasurer  of  the  Association,  $77.50: 
total,  $143.90." 

Space  forbids  the  details  of  the  missionary  work  of  this 
devoted  servant  of  Christ,  thus  briefly  summarized,  further 
than  to  say  that  it  was  accomplished  in  a  year,  amid  fre- 
quent interruptions  on  account  of  ill  health,  the  result  of 
overwork,  and  exposure  in  travel  over  four  or  five  counties 
embraced  in  his  field.  Winchester,  in  Scott  county,  the 
Church  on  Salt  Creek,  Diamond  Grove,  Whitehall,  Leba- 
non, Springfield,  Clary's  Grove,  Mechanicsburg,  where 
the  Mount  Tabor  Church  had  been  organized,  but  soon 
became  extinct,  the  Forks  of  Sugar  creek,  in  Tazewell 
county,  all  were  witnesses  of  his  toils,  and  sharers  in  the 
blessings  which  followed  them.  To  him,  as  the  prime 
mover  in  the  organization  of  the  Association,  and  as  its 
first  missionary,  is  due  more  than  to  any  other  one  man, 
the  credit  of  that  intelligent  and  wise  forecast  which  laid 
the  foundation  of  our  Baptist  churches  in  this  region. 
His  works  do  follow  him.  Rev.  Joel  Sweet  labored  two 
months  in  connection  with  Mr.  Merriam,  as  missionary  of 
the  Association,  visiting  Manchester,  Clary's  Grove,  the 
head  of  Apple  creek,  Mechanicsburg,  and  Sangamon  Bot- 
tom, 12  miles  above  Beardstown,  at  several  of  which 
places  revival  influences  attended  the  protracted  meetings 
held,  and  many  professed  conversion  and  were  baptized, 
making  the  number  110  added  to  the  churches  during 
the  year.  It  was  truly  a  great  cause  of  gratitude  to  God 
for  His  blessing  upon  this  first  missionary  work,  crowning 
it  with  such  abundant  success,  appreciating  which  the 
Association  resolved,  if  practicable,  to  continue  the  service 
for  the  following  year. 

Three  new  churches,  namely :  Clary's  Grove  and  Eock 
Creek,  constituted  under  the  labors  of  the  missionaries 
of  the  Association,  June  29,  1839,  Stonington,  Christian 
county,  with  18  members,  and  Manchester,  Scott  county, 
with  71  members,  applied  for  membership  in  the  Associa- 
tion, and  after  giving  satisfactory  evidence  of  being  sound 


22  Springfield,  Illinois, 


in  the  faith,  and  orderly  in  practice,  were  received,  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship  heing  given  to  the  delegates  by 
the  Moderator.  The  aggregate  membership  of  the  Asso- 
ciation this  year,  was  ten  Churches,  four  ordained  muiis- 
ters,  and  three  hundred  and  ninety-six  members,  an 
increase  of  ninety-four  during  the  year. 

The  circular  letter  of  this  year,  in  speaking  of  the  im- 
portance of  the  field,  says  : 

"Let  us  realize  our  location  in  this  vast  Valley  of  the  Mississippi,  as 
laying  us  under  mountain  weights  of  responsibility  in  relation  to  the 
multitudes  around  us,  to  labor  for  their  salvation,  *  *  *  watch- 
ing and  waiting  the  coming  of  the  Lord." 

Such  was  the  spirit  of  the  fathers  who  wrought  in  the 
early  days  of  the  settlement  of  Illinois.  Truly  they  were 
heroic  men,  whose  example  of  faith  and  devotion  is  wor- 
thy of  our  imitation  to-day.  At  this  meeting  the  time 
for  holding  the  annual  meetings  of  the  Association  was 
changed  from  October  to  Wednesday  before  the  3d  Sab- 
bath in  September. 

Eesolutions  urging  the  importance  of  liberal  contribu- 
tions for  Foreign  Missions,  the  American  and  Foreign 
Bible  Society,  and  the  promotion  of  Ministerial  Educa- 
tion, were  unanimously  adopted. 

To  the  Rules  of  Order  were  added  the  following : 

18.  Every  ordained  minister  belonging  to  any  Church  composing 
this  body,  is  a  member  thereof  by  virtue  of  his  office. 

19.  Every  Church  composed  of  a  less  number  than  twenty,  shall 
be  entitled  to  a  delegate,  and  every  Church  numbering  twenty  shall 
be  entitled  to  two  delegates,  and  an  additional  delegate  for  every 
twenty  members. 

20.  Whenever  ministers  and  members  of  Churches  of  this  Associa- 
tion, whose  names  are  on  our  minutes  of  the  last  session,  are  present 
at  the  session  of  any  of  the  Associations  with  which  we  correspond, 
they  are  hereby  authorized  to  be  our  messengers  to  that  body. 


1840 

On  the  16ih  of  September,  1840,  the  Association  met 
with  the  Indian  Creek  Church,  at  Princeton,  Morgan 
county,     The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev. 


Baptist  Association.  23 


Alvin  Bailey,  of  Carrolton,  from  Bev.  iii,  20,  after  which 
the  Association  was  called  to  order,  and  Eev.  Joel  Sweet 
was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  Apple  Creek  Church,  at  Waverly,  Morgan  county, 
with  77  members,  was  received  as  a  member  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, and  the  hand  of  fellowship  given  to  its  delegates 
by  the  Moderator. 

Foley  Vaughn  resigned  the  office  of  Treasurer  of  the 
Association,  and  Josiah  Francis  was  chosen  to  fill  the 
vacancy. 

The  total  number  of  Churches  represented  was  9,  with 
4  ordained  ministers,  and  524  members,  97  having  been 
added  by  baptism  during  the  last  year.  Protracted  meet- 
ings were  held  by  the  Diamond  Grove,  the  Lebanon,  and 
the  Manchester  Churches,  Eevs.  Joel  Sweet,  and  Thomas 
Taylor  serving  as  itinerant  missionaries  in  the  Associa- 
tion. The  Springfield  Church  was  the  only  one  in  the 
Association  which  enjoyed  the  preaching  of  the  word 
every  Sabbath,  Eev.  0.  C.  Comstock,  D.  D.,  having  served 
that  church  one  year  from  October,  1889.  Eev.  Thomas 
H.  Ford  served  as  pastor  of  the  Diamond  Grove  Church. 
The  letters  of  the  churches  all  express  strong  desire  for 
the  regular  ministry  of  the  word,  and  in  the  resolutions 
adopted  the  Association  well  and  truly  said : 

"We  consider  that  the  education  of  a  pious  ministry  is  of  the  high- 
est importance  to  the  prosperity  of  the  Churches.  That  in  our  esti- 
mation this  subject  is  indissolubly  connected  with  the  highest  interests 
of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  Men  have  been  raised  up  who  have 
done  what  they  could,  have  done  nobly  without  the  advantages  of 
early  literary  and  theological  training,  but  those  who  have  been  emi- 
nently useful,  have  been  men  of  study,  men  of  strong  minds,  and 
ardent  piety  have  labored  in  the  vineyard  whose  labors  God  has 
abundantly  blessed  in  the  conversion  of  sinners,  but  those  very  men, 
no  doubt,  would  have  accomplished  more  had  they  enjoyed  the 
advantages  of  a  thorough  education. " 

"In  the  judgment  of  this  Association  it  is  the  indispensable  duty  of 
the  Churches  to  aid  such  young  brethren  as  are  indigent,  and  yet  give 
satisfactory  evidence  of  being  designed  of  God  for  the  gospel  minis- 
try, in  procuring  an  education  suited  to  their  high  and  holy  calling. " 

A  noble  record  this  made  forty  years  ago.  No  better 
plea  for  an  educated  ministry  can  anywhere  be  found, 
as  condenses  the  whole  matter  as  it  were  into  a  nut-shell. 
They  were  men  of  "strong  minds  and  ardent  piety,"  who 


24  Springfield,  Illinois, 


showed  that  although  not  trained  in  the  schools,  some 
of  them  were  "men  of  study."  Every  age  has  produced 
such  men,  men  like  the  "old  man  eloquent,"  Eev.  Bar- 
tholomew T.  Welch,  D.D.,  whose  memory  is  fragrant  in 
our  Baptist  Zion,  as  one  of  the  most  eloquent  preachers  and 
successful  winners  of  souls.  He  learned  to  preach  by 
preaching,  though  without  the  advantages  of  early  literary 
training  himself,  he  was  its  most  earnest  advocate. 

Resolutions  relating  to  Sunday  Schools,  Temperance, 
the  dissemination  of  religious  literature  through  the 
medium  of  the  American  Baptist  Publication  Society,  and 
religious  intelligence  through  the  Banner  and  Pioneer, 
to  the  diffusion  of  the  word  of  God,  through  the  agency 
of  t]^e  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  the  work 
of  home  and  foreign  missions,  were  passed  unanimously, 
showing  a  deep  interest  in  every  good  work. 

From  the  report  of  Eev.  Joel  Sweet,  Missionary  of  the 
Association,  it  appears  that  he  preached  176  sermons, 
attended  95  prayer  meetings,  and  baptized  76  persons, 
durmg  the  year,  which  faithful  service  the  Association 
acknowledged,  with  gratitude  to  God  for  his  crowning 
blessings.  The  year  1840,  although  a  year  of  great  politi- 
cal excitement,  and  great  financial  stringency,  was  marked 
mth  a  good  degree  of  spiritual  life  in  the  Churches, 
wherever  special  efforts  were  made  for  the  advancement 
of  the  cause  of  Christ. 


1841 

On  the  16th  of  September,  1841,  the  Association  met 
with  the  Church  at  Island  Grove,  Sangamon  county.  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Eev.  M.  Dutton, 
from  Matt,  vii.,  15th  to  20th  verses,  after  which  Eev. 
Joel  Sweet  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Charles  B. 
Francis  was  re-elected  Clerk  for  the  term  of  four  years. 

Four  new  churches  applied  for  admission  to  the  Asso- 
ciation, and  after  examination  of  their  Articles  of  Faith, 


Baptist  Association.  25 


were  received,  the  hand  of  fellowship  being  given  to  their 
delegates  by  the  Moderator.  These  churches  were : 
Virginia,  Cass  county.  Rev.  J.  H.  Daniels,  Pastor,  with 
9  members ;  Jacksonville,  Morgan  county,  with  26  mem- 
bers ;  Big  Spring,  Scott  county,  with  6"2  members,  and 
Winchester,  Scott  county,  with  117  members.  The  total 
number  of  churches  represented  this  year  was  14,  with  6 
ordained  ministers,  one  licentiate,  and  746  members,  121 
having  been  added  by  baptism  during  the  year.  There 
seems  to  have  been  no  general  revival  this  year,  though 
the  Church  at  Manchester,  under  the  pastoral  care  of 
Eev.  Joel  Sweet,  assisted  by  Rev.  Thomas  Taylor,  a  mis- 
sionary of  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society, 
and  the  State  Convention,  and  Rev.  Jacob  Bower,  a  mis- 
sionary of  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society, 
enjoyed  a  season  of  refreshing  from,  the  Lord,  resulting 
in  the  conversion  of  seventy  souls. 

The  Church  at  Stonington,  with  seventeen  members, 
having  no  pastor  or  stated  preaching,  plaintively  say  in 
the  letter  to  the  Association  : 

"  We  desire  that  God  would  send  us  some  one  of  His  ministering 
servants  to  feed  our  hungry  souls,  and  break  unto  us  the  bread  of 
life.  We  meet  on  the  Sabbath,  and  keep  up  prayer  and  conference 
meetings.  We  have  a  Bible  Class.  Our  congregations  are  not  large. 
Dear  brethren  pray  that  God  would  send  us  a  minister  to  preach  to 
us,  that  God  would  guide  us  by  His  word  and  Spirit.  We  send  $15  for 
missionary  purposes. " 

This  is  th  way  in  which  churches  struggle  into  life  in 
many  of  our  Western  fields.  Casting  the  horoscope  of 
the  future  at  that  day,  an  intelligent  Christian  faith  would 
have  said,  such  a  church  will  live.  Seventeen  members 
maintaining  Sabbath  services,  a  Sunday  School  or  Bible 
Class,  and  prayer  meeting,  and  contributing  $15  per 
annum  for  missionary  purposes,  constitute  an  invincible 
company  of  christian  soldiers.  They  embraced  the  world 
in  the  arms  of  their  faith,  and  freely  gave  of  their  sub- 
stance for  the  preaching  the  gospel  to  others,  poorer  than 
themselves,  and  in  still  greater  need.  That  church  is 
now,  after  the  lapse  of  forty  years,  as  well  might  be  sup- 
posed, one  of  the  best  and  most  liberal  in  the  Association. 

This  year  Rev.  Henry  W.  Dodge  commenced  his  labors 
as  pastor  of  the  Springfield  Church,  where  during  the 
—3 


26  Springfield,  Illinois, 


next  four  years  great  blessings  attended  his  ministry. 
Eev.  Alvin  Bailey,  whose  memory  is  still  fragrant  with 
devoted  service  in  the  vmeyard  of  our  Lord,  became  a 
member  of  the  Association,  having  been  pastor  first  of  the 
Church  in  Winchester,  and  afterwards  of  the  Church  in 
Jacksonville. 

Eesolutions  similar  to  those  of  former  years  were  passed, 
with  two  others,  which  are  appended,  being  noticeable  as 
favoring  the  instruction  of  the  rising  generation  of  every 
color  and  condition  throughout  the  whole  country,  and  the 
Monthly  Concert  of  prayer  for  foreign  missions  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Sabbath  School  cause  commends  itself  to  the 
patriot,  philanthropist  and  christian,  and  we  recommend  to  the 
Churches  to  sustain  Sabbath  Schools  in  their  congregations,  and 
embody  an  account  of  them  in  their  letters  to  the  Association,  and 
that  unceasing  prayers  and  efforts  be  directed  to  the  extension  of  the 
benefit  of  Sabbath  Schools,  so  as  to  secure  instruction  to  all  the  rising 
generation  of  every  color  and  condition^  throughout  the  whole  country. 

Rewlved.  That  the  success  attendant  upon  the  faithful  and  efficient 
labors  of  our  beloved  brethren  in  foreign  fields,  calls  upon  us  to  exer- 
cise fervent  gratitude  to  God;  and  we  earnestly  recommend  the 
punctual  attendance  of  the  Monthly  Concert  for  prayer;  and  while  we 
say,  Lord!  Lord!  be  not  neglectful  to  contribute  as  the  Lord  hath 
prospered  us. 


1842 

On  the  2d  of  September,  1842,  the  Association  met  with 
the  Church  at  Winchester,  Scott  county.  The  intro- 
ductory sermon  was  preached  by  Eev.  Joel  Sweet,  from 
Phil,  ii.,  15, 16,  after  which  Eev.  Joel  Sweet  was  chosen 
Moderator. 

The  Hopewell  Church,  in  Mason  county,  with  twenty- 
five  members,  was  received  as  a  member  of  the  Associa- 
tion, making  the  total  number  of  churches  fifteen,  with 
an  aggregate  membership  of  seven  hundred  and  ninety. 
During  the  year  ninety-five  additions  were  made  by  bap- 
tism, forty-five  of  which  were  to  the  Church  in  Springfield. 

Illustrating  somewhat  the  condition  of  the  Society  in 
some  localities,  a  note  in  the  minutes  of  this  year,  states 


Baptist  Association.  27 


that  five  members  were  received  into  the  fellowship  of  the 
Lebanon  Church,  on  recommendation,  which  recommen- 
dation was,  their  "Having  been  excluded  from  another 
church  for  joining  a  Temperance  Society." 

As  a  new  departure,  Eev.  H.  W.  Dodge,  and  M.  Bray- 
man,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a  summary 
of  the  letters  of  the  churches,  to  be  printed  in  the  min- 
utes. This  year  also  the  Treasurer's  report  was  for  the 
first  time  printed  in  the  minutes.  It  shows  the  contribu- 
tions of  two  churches,  and  three  brethren,  for  Home  and 
Foreign  Missions,  and  Bible  Society,  $90.93,  which  sum 
was  paid  into  the  Treasury  of  the  Illinois  Baptist  Conven- 
tion for  the  purposes  specified. 

Some  advance  was  made  this  year  in  securing  the 
stated  preaching  of  the  word,  by  most  of  the  churches. 
The  Springfield  Church  was  the  only  one  which  had 
preaching  every  Sabbath.  Lebanon,  Island  Grove,  Indian 
Creek,  Jacksonville,  Winchester,  Apple  Creek,  Sangamon 
Bottom,  Big  Spring,  Diamond  Grove,  Clary's  Grove,  and 
Manchester  Churches,  each  had  preaching  once,  and 
some  of  them  twice,  a  month.  But  five  of  the  churches 
sustained  Sunday  Schools,  as  most  of  these  churches 
were  located  in  sparsely  settled  places,  and  met  for 
worship,  some  of  them,  in  small  houses,  it  was  difficult, 
if  not  impossible,  for  them  to  maintain  Sunday  Schools. 
Society  was  in  a  formative  state,  and  obstacles,  such 
as  now  we  know  little  of,  continually  presented  themselves 
to  discourage  the  infant  churches,  which  year  by  year 
were  struggling  to  maintain  their  existence. 

The  circular  letter  of  this  year  contains  these  impressive 
exortations : 

"Brethren:  Let  us  labor  and  pray  that  God  may  increase  the 
number,  and  strengthen  the  hands  of  the  ministry.  The  field  is  ripe 
for  the  sickle. 

Brethren:  Let  us  send  the  gospel  to  the /ieai/ien-.  'The  isles  wait 
for  His  law'  with  prayerful  impatience. 

Brethren:  Let  us  sustain  the  Sabbath  Schools.  On  the  children 
depends  the  fate  of  all  our  institutions,  ci\dl,  moral,  and  religious. " 

"Voted  that  the  next  meeting  of  the  Association  be  held  with  the 
Clary's  Grove  and  Kock  Greek  Church,  at  Richland,  Sangamon  county, 
at  A.  Smith's,  near  Kile's  Store. " 

Such  were  the  specific  directions  necessary  to  show 
where  some  of  the  churches  were   located  at  that  early 


28  Springfield,  Illinois, 


day.  It  might  trouble  a  later  generation  to  find  the  loca- 
tion of  the  hospitable  dwelling  of  that  good  brother,  A. 
Smith,  of  days  gone  by,  wherein  there  was  room  to  hold 
the  Annual  meeting  of  the  Association. 


1843 

The  Association  met  September  1st,  1843,  with  the 
Clary's  Grove  and  Eock  Creek  Church,  at  Kichland, 
Sangamon  county.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
by  Eev.  Henry  W.  Dodge,  of  Springfield,  from  Matthew 
xvi.,  3.     Eev.  Alvin  Bailey  was  chosen  Moderator. 

Two  new  churches,  the  Sugar  Creek  Church,  Sanga- 
mon county,  and  the  Martm's  Prairie  Church,  Greene 
county,  were  received  as  members  of  the  Association,  and 
the  hand  of  fellowship  given  to  their  delegates  by  the 
Moderator.  The  whole  number  of  churches  represented 
this  year  was  fifteen,  with  an  aggregate  membership  of 
nine  hundred  and  ten.  During  the  year  one  hundred  and 
twenty-three  additions  were  by  baptism.  The  number  of 
ordained  ministers  laboring  within  the  bounds  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, was  eleven,  and  two  licentiates. 

Attention  was  specially  called  in  the  resolutions  passed 
by  the  Association,  to  the  cause  of  ministerial  education, 
and  the  interests  of  Shurtleff  College,  as  follows  : 

Your  Committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  interests  of  Shurtleff 
College  and  JMiaisterial  Education  report  that  the  College  is  advancing 
in  influence,  in  usefulness,  and  in  favor,  with  the  churches  and  com- 
munity. The  number  of  students  in  attendance  the  present  year,  is 
sixty,  of  whom  fourteen  have  in  view  the  gospel  ministry. 

Besolred,  That  we  urge  upon  the  churches  more  liberal  contribu- 
tions to  its  funds,  and  commend  it  to  the  patronage  and  prayers  of  the 
denomination. 

Considering  the  great  destitution  of  ministers,  and  the  importance 
of  an  efficient  ministry  to  the  growth  and  activity  of  the  churches ; 

Resolved,  That  we  recommend  to  our  brethren  to  look  out  and 
encourage  such  gifts  as  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  has  bestowed, 
and  by  contributing  to  the  funds  of  the  Illinois  Baptist  Education 
Society,  to  aid  such  young  men  in  acquiring  a  suitable  education. 


Baptist  Association.  29 


The  interest  in  Sabbath  Schools  and  Temperance, 
which  began  in  former  years  to  be  manifest,  was  unabated. 

The  Committee  on  the  Sabbath  and  Sabbath  Schools,  submitted  the 
following: 

Resolved.  That  the  appointment  of  the  Sabbath  demands  at  our 
hands  gratitude  to  its  author,  and  that  we  regard  it  to  be  the  duty  of 
every  friend  of  humanity  conscientiously  and  habitually  to  observe  it. 

Resolced,  That  we  have  abundant  reason  for  thanksgiving  to  God 
for  the  signal  success  that  has  attended  the  Sabbath  School  cause, 
and  the  greatest  encouragement  to  pray  and  labor  with  renewed  dili- 
gence in  this  holy  cause.  C.B.Francis,  Chnirman. 

The  Committee  on  Temperance  report,  that  in  view  of  the  great 
benefits  which  have  resulted  from  Temperance  Societies,  not  only 
to  the  people  of  the  United  States,  but  to  Ireland  and  the  European 
countries,  we  have  great  reason  to  thank  God  and  take  courage; 
therefore. 

Resohed.  That  we  recommend  the  cause  of  Temperance  to  the 
prayers  of  all  christian  people,  earnestly  requesting  them  to  use  all 
gospel  means,  for  the  eradication  of  drunkenness  from  our  land. 

E.  G.  Miner,  Chairman. 

The  Foreign  Mission  and  Bible  Work  were  urged  upon 
the  attention  of  the  churches,  in  the  following  teiTQS, 
shoT\ing  that  these  new  and  struggling  bodies  were  not 
unmindful  of  the  great  fact  that  'The  Field  is  the  World  :' 

Resolved.  That  it  is  our  duty  to  God,  to  aid  in  sustaining  the  cause 
of  foreign  missions,  and  that  we  will  make  a  vigorous  effort  to  do  so, 
regarding  this  as  one  of  the  most  important  branches  of  christian 
effort. 

Resolved.  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  body  the  American  and  For- 
eign Bible  Society  has  peculiar  claims  on  the  affections  and  benefac- 
tions of  our  denomination. 

The  session  was  harmonious  and  profitable.  Although 
upwards  of  one  hundred  additions  were  made  to  the 
churches,  by  baptism,  the  Circular  Letter  of  this  year 
speaks  of  the  growth  being  "slow,"  showing  that  those 
fathers  of  our  denomination  expected  gro^^i:h,  and  great 
results  from  the  preaching  of  the  word.  In  this  they 
were,  as  sho\M^i  by  the  resolutions  adopted,  awake  to  the 
importance  of  lading  the  foundations  of  the  new  commu- 
nities substantially  upon  the  Divine  word  of  the  Heavenly 
Shepherd, 

Charles  B.  Francis,  who  was  one  of  the  leading  Spirits 
in  the  organization  of  the  Association,  and  who  had  served 
as  its  Clerk  continuously  ever  since — a  brother  of  marked 


30  Springfield,  Illinois, 


ability  and  devoted  piety,  one  whose  counsels  were  always 
regarded  as  wise,  and  whose  example  worthy  of  all  imita- 
tion, performed  his  last  service  for  the  Association  at  this 
meeting. 

The  following  obituary  notice,  prepared  by  M.  Bray- 
man,  Secretary  of  the  Illinois  Baptist  State  Convention, 
and  published  in  the  proceedings  of  that  body  for  1843, 
shows  how  soon  his  earthly  work  was  finished,  and  how, 
when  he  died  the  cause  of  Christ  lost  one  of  its  most 
devoted  and  faithful  servants  : 

OBITUARY. 

The  Secretary  would  be  wanting  in  respect  to  the  feelings  of  the 
members  of  the  Convention,  as  well  as  deaf  to  the  voice  of  friendship, 
should  he  fail  to  notice  a  most  afflicting  and  solemn  event,  which 
transpired  immediately  after  the  adjournment  of  that  body.  Allusion 
is  made  to  the  sudden  death  of  our  beloved  brother,  Charles  B. 
Francis,  a  delegate  from  the  Springfield  Church.  He  arrived  in 
Jacksonville,  on  Wednesday  evening,  October  4th,  and  on  the  suc- 
ceeding day,  took  his  seat  in  the  Convention  in  good  health.  He  bore 
a  conspicuous  part  in  its  proceedings,  and  labored  with  ardent  zeal 
and  wisely  directed  energy,  to  perfect  those  measures  of  gospel 
benevolence,  which  the  Convention  met  to  advance.  On  Friday  he 
complained  of  slight  illness.  On  Saturday  he  suffered  from  bvirning 
fever  and  accute  pain,  but  such  was  his  anxiety  to  participate  in  the 
business  of  the  Convention — such  his  energy  of  character  and  entire 
devotion  to  his  Maste-rs  cause,  that  he  remained  at  his  post  through- 
out the  day,  and  though  feeble  in  body,  the  whole  strength  of  his 
mind  and  fervor  of  his  heart  shone  out  in  his  eloquent  and  feeling 
addresses  and  fervent  prayers.  The  influence  which  his  labors  of  that 
day  shed  upon  the  hearts  of  those  who  stood  by  him,  will  live  when 
all.  save  his  virtues,  are  forgotten. 

On  the  adjournment  of  the  Convention,  on  Saturday  night,  he  took 
his  bed  His  illness  remained  slight,  and  caused  no  alarm,  until,  at 
noon  on  Tuesday,  the  fever  assumed  a  congestive  form,  and  termi- 
nated in  death  at  six  o'clock  the  same  evening.  His  wife  and  young- 
est daughter  arrived  barely  in  time  to  receive  his  parting  blessing. 
He  died  at  the  residence  of  Brother  E.  Burditt,  and  received  every 
attention  and  kindness,  which  christian  sympathy  and  affection  could 
dictate. 

Bro.  Francis  was  a  native  of  Massachusetts— he  resided  in  this 
State  about  eight  years,  and  at  the  time  of  his  decease,  was  nearly  44 
years  of  age.  He  was  a  man  of  much  energy  of  character— sound 
judgment,  and  great  singleness  of  purpose— one  who,  in  all  relations 
of  life,  was 

" Resolved,  and  steady  to  his  trust, 

"Inflexible  to  ill,  and  obstinately  just.'" 

But  an  undying  devotion  to  the  cause  of  religion  and  morality— a 
consistent  life  and  exemplary  christian  deportment  were  the  crowning 


Baptist  Association.  31 


glory  of  his  character.  As  a  husband,  father,  and  friend,  he  was  kind, 
affectionate  and  steadfast— as  a  citizen,  ever  active  in  doing  good— as 
a  deacon  and  leading  member  of  the  chiirch,  he  was  always  in  his 
place,  urging  others  to  "a  closer  walk  with  God,"  and  leading  the 
way.  His  last  labors  were  given  to  the  cause  he  loved — he  fell,  like  a 
faithful  soldier,  with  his  burnished  armor  in  his  hand.  It  is  well  with 
him— he  "kept  the  faith"  and  has  received  a  "crown  of  righteousness." 
May  the  remembrance  of  his  christian  virtues,  while  it  consoles  his 
surviving  family  and  friends,  excite  to  equal  usefulness — and  inspire 
the  same  hope  of  a  blessed  immortality ! 


1844 

The  Association  met  with  the  Lebanon  Church,  on  the 
30th  of  August,  1844.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Eev.  Alvin  Bailey,  of  Jacksonville,  from 
Isaiah  xlii,  4,  after  which  the  Association  was  called  to 
order,  and  Eev.  Alvin  Bailey  was  chosen  Moderator,  and 
M.  Brayman,  Clerk,  m  place  of  Charles  B.  Francis, 
deceased. 

Seventeen  churches,  comprising  a  membership  of  nine 
hundred  and  fifty-one,  reported  this  year,  including  the 
Church  at  Decatur,  which  was  received  into  the  Associa- 
tion at  this  time. 

During  the  years  1842  and  1843,  Eev.  H.  W.  Dodge, 
pastor  of  the  Springfield  Church,  visited  Decatur,  and 
preached  occasionally.  His  labors  were  blessed  in  the 
conversion  of  quite  a  number  of  persons,  who  were  bap- 
tized by  him  into  the  fellowship  of  the  Springfield  Church. 
Being  too  remote  from  Springfield  to  worship  with  the 
church  there,  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  form  a  separate 
organization.  Accordingly  letters  of  dismission  were 
granted,  and  on  the  14th  of  September,  1843,  twelve 
members  residing  at  Decatur,  were  organized  into  a 
church,  under  the  name  of  the  "Decatur  Baptist  Church," 
Eev.  H.  W.  Dodge,  of  Springfield,  officiating  at  the  recog- 
nition services.  Eev.  Moses  Lemen  commenced  laboring 
with  this  church  about  the  1st  of  June,  sustained  jointly 


Spkingfield,  Illinois, 


by  the  church  and  the  IHinois  Baptist  Convention.  During 
the  year,  eighty-nine  members  were  received  into  the 
churches  of  the  Association  by  baptism,  thus  showing  a 
continuous  increase,  and  encouraging  fruits  of  that  mis- 
sionary service  which  characterized  the  early  history  of 
the  Association. 

The  minutes  of  this  year  embrace  strong  resolutions, 
urging  more  liberal  contributions  to  the  work,  of  both 
home,  and  foreign  missions ;  and  in  view  of  the  destitu- 
tion of  ministerial  labor  in  the  Association — there  being 
only  five  ordained  ministers,  the  Committee  recommended 
the  appointment  of  a  traveling  missionary  for  one  year. 
A  Committee  of  one  from  each  church,  was  appointed  to 
ascertain  what  amount  could  be  obtained  from  the  respec- 
tive churches,  to  be  paid  quarterly,  for  this  object,  and  a 
Committee  of  three  was  also  appointed  to  select  a  mis- 
sionary for  this  service. 

The  letters  of  the  churches  speak  of  the  prevalence  of  a 
spirit  of  harmony,  and  some  of  them  enjoyed  seasons  of 
revival. 

Eev.  H.  W.  Dodge,  whose  labors  as  pastor  of  the 
Springfield  Church,  had  been  blessed  in  large  measure  to 
the  upbuilding  of  the  cause  of  Christ,  having  closed  his 
work  with  that  church.  Rev.  Ambler  Edson,  of  Griggs- 
ville,  Illinois,  was  called  to  be  his  successor  in  April,  1843. 

Rev.  Amos  Dodge,  pastor  of  the  Stonington  Church, 
died  during  the  year.  He  was  a  good  man,  a  beloved 
brother,  and  pastor.  His  illness  was  short,  and  his  death 
triumphant. 

"The  Jacksonville  Church  reports  monthly  Missionary  Concert, 
prayer  meetings,  etc.,  well  sustained.  Sabbath  School  |ttourishing ; 
fifty  pupils,  six  teachers,  and  sixty -three  volumes  in  the  library.  Rev. 
A.  Bailey,  pastor.  Has  commenced  a  house  of  worship  40  by  44, 
to  be  completed  next  season.  Contributed  for  missions  $12.85. 
The  Female  Bible  Society  has  transmitted  $15,  and  $4  besides  have 
been  raised  for  the  Bible  cause.    Raised  for  the  Education  Society  $8. " 

"The  Winchester  Church  has  been  blessed  during  the  year,  in  the 
use  of  Grod's  appointed  means.  A  revival  has  been  enjoyed.  Preach- 
ing every  other  Sabbath  by  Rev.  E.  Dodson.  The  brethren  meet 
every  Lord's  day,  following  the  apostolical  example,  in  reading  the 
Scripture,  prayer,  singing,  and  exhortation.  The  benevolent  opera- 
tions of  the  day  are  sustained  with  efficiency  and  regularity.     Raised 


Baptist  Association.  33 


for  foreign  missions,  $9.31;  for  education,  $2.70;  American  and  For- 
eign Bible  Society,  $4.  A  proper  sum  is  about  to  be  raised  for  home 
missions.  The  Sabbath  School,  and  monthly  and  weekly  prayer  meet- 
ings are  kept  up. " 

The  circular  letter  of  this  year  closes  with  these  sig- 
nificant words : 

"Brethren,  let  us  labor  and  pray  for  the  spread  of  saving  trvith;  for 
the  objects  of  the  Redeemer's  mission  cannot  be  accomplished  until 
the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  are  lighted  up  by  the  "Sun  of 
Righteousness.'  We  have  need  of  more  efficiency  and  united  action 
in  sustaining  the  gospel  ministry.  Many  of  our  churches  are  without 
stated  preaching,  and  many  of  their  laborers  who  are  already  in  the 
field  are  not  sufficiently  sustained.  The  churches  need  a  new  impulse. 
We  feel  that  much  more  may  be  done  than  has  yet  been  accomplished. " 

Rev.  Alvin  Bailey  published  a  Baptist,  semi-monthly 
newspaper  at  Jacksonville,  this  year,  called  The  Western 
Star,  the  second  Baptist  newspaper  ever  published  in 
Illinois. 


1845 

The  Association  met  with  the  Indian  Creek  Church,  at 
Princeton,  Morgan  county,  on  Friday,  September  5th, 
1845.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev. 
Porter  Clay,  from  Hebs.  xii,  28,  after  which  the  Rev. 
Alvin  Bailey  was  chosen  Moderator. 

Sixteen  churches,  with  an  aggregate  membership  of 
eight  hundred  and  sixty-two,  were  reported,  and  only 
twenty-two  baptized  during  the  year.  Only  four  ordained 
ministers  are  reported  as  being  employed  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Association  this  year,  showing  great  lack  of 
the  regular  ministration  of  the  word  of  life. 

Pursuant  to  a  resolution  of  the  Association,  passed  in 
1844,  the  churches,  during  these  two  years,  made  more 
strenuous  efforts  in  raising  money  for  missionary  work 
beyond  its  own  bounds,  than  ever  before.  The  Treasurer's 
report  is  most  instructive,  as  showing  how  the  seed 
planted  in  earlier  years  had  begun  to  show  fruitage; 


34  Speingfield,  Illinois, 


about  $160  having  been  raised  for  Home,  and  Foreign 
missions,  including  $100  for  the  support  of  a  native 
Karen  preacher.  When  we  remember  how  the  whole 
field  occupied  was  a  new  and  undeveloped  country,  the 
people  mostly  poor,  and  living  in  log  houses,  most  of  the 
churches  having  no  houses  of  worship  save  as  meetings 
were  held  in  private  houses,  or  in  log  school  houses,  we 
can  appreciate  the  spirit  which  animated  those  pioneer 
Baptists  of  Central  Illinois.  This  remembrance  may 
teach  us  of  this  favored  age,  lessons  of  self-denial  and 
devotion,  which  we  have  never  yet  learned.  The  Church 
at  Jacksonville,  the  only  one  in  the  Association  which  had 
preaching  every  Sabbath  through  the  year,  under  the 
pastoral  care  of  Eev.  Alvin  Bailey,  this  year  built  its  first 
house  of  worship,  at  a  cost  of  $2,200,  With  but  forty- 
seven  members,  this  was  an  outlay  which  shows  how 
freely  that  church  gave  of  its  substance  in  its  infancy,  to 
lay  enduring  foundations  for  future  growth.  Constituted 
only  four  years  before,  its  progress  was  both  rapid  and 
substantial.  Whilst  bending  every  energy  to  build  a 
house  of  worship,  that  church  raised  during  the  year, 
$22.63  for  foreign  missions  ;  $14.15  for  the  American  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society;  $3.81  for  the  Illinois  Baptist 
Education  Society,  and  $5.37  for  Home  missions.  A 
worthy  example  of  missionary  zeal  which  should  be  held 
in  lasting  remembrance. 

The  church  hitherto  known  as  the  "Clary's  Grove  and 
Eock  Creek,"  was  reported  this  year  as  the  "Richland 
Church,"  under  which  name  it  has  since  been  known  in 
the  Association.  Rev.  John  H.  Daniels  was  pastor  of 
this  church  during  the  year. 

The  resolutions  passed  this  year  embrace  every  depart- 
ment of  christian  endeavor,  and  have  the  ring  of  genuine 
enthusiasm,  such  as  is  so  often  noticeable  by  its  absence 
from  our  Associational  meetings  in  later  years.  Church 
pslamody,  among  other  subjects,  came  in  for  its  share  of 
attention  in  the  resolution,  "That  a  more  general  intro- 
duction of  hymn  books,  of  a  uniform  character,  would 
greatly  tend  to  the  edification  of  Divine  service  ;  and  that 
the  Association  recommend  the  Psalmist  as  a  work  well 


Baptist  Association.  35 


adapted  to  the  general  use  of  the  churches."    The  Hymn 
Book  war  had  not  begun  then. 

The  Committee  on  Home  Missions  presented  the  fol- 
lowing report,  which  was  adopted  : 

"We  consider  the  Home  Mission  department  of  Evangelical  effort,  of 
primary  importance  to  the  promotion  of  everything  v^^e  hold  sacred 
and  valuable.  In  promoting  it  we  regard  the  American  Baptist  Home 
Mission  Society,  and  the  General  Association  of  the  State,  to  be  under 
God,  principal  agents.  To  the  former  we  are  indebted  for  the  labors 
of  our  brethren,  who  have  planted  many  of  our  churches,  and  have 
been  instrumental  in  promoting  precious  revival  seasons  within  our 
Associational  bounds;  to  the  latter  for  uniting  and  arranging  our 
energies  in  every  good  enterprise ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  a  public  contribution  be  taken  up  at  this  meeting  for 
Home  Mission  purposes,  and  that  each  minister  take  up  a  collection 
for  the  same  object  during  the  year." 

As  one  of  the  first  attempts  towards  the  establishment 
of  a  Baptist  newspaper  in  Illinois,  note  the  following : 

"■Resolved,  That  we  recommend  the  Western  Star,  as  a  religious 
newspaper,  most  ably  edited  by  our  beloved  brother,  A.  Bailey,  and 
eminently  calculated  to  subserve  the  great  interests  of  religion,  and 
will  use  our  utmost  endeavors  to  sustain  it,  and  procure  its  weekly 
issue. " 

Deeply  conscious  of  the  need  of  Divine  assistance  in 
every  effort  to  build  up  the  I^edeemer's  kingdom,  and  fol- 
lowing the  example  of  the  forefathers,  it  was 

'■^Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  low  state  of  religion  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Association,  we  recommend  to  the  churches  to  devote 
Friday  before  the  first  Sabbath  in  October,  as  a  day  of  special  fasting 
and  prayer  before  God,  if  peradventure  He  may  have  mercy  on  us, 
and  on  the  souls  of  men. " 


1846 

The  Association  met  with  the  Sugar  Creek  Church,  in 
Sangamon  county,  on  Friday,  September  4th,  1846.  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Eev.  Thomas 
Taylor,  from  Joshua  xiii,  1.  Eev.  Alvin  Bailf.y  was 
chosen  Moderator.  The  stated  Clerk,  M.  Brayman,  being 
absent,  E.  G.  Miner  was  chosen  temporary  Clerk. 

Sixteen  churches  were  reported,  with  an  aggregate 
membership  of  eight  hundred  and  sixty,  only  three  having 


36  Springfield,  Illinois, 


been  added  by  baptism  during  the  year.  The  remark- 
able advance  which  characterized  the  churches  during  the 
first  seven  years  of  Associational  history,  reaching  as  high 
as  one  hundred  and  twenty-one  baptisms  in  the  year  1841, 
the  flood  tide  of  revival  influence,  had  now  reached  the 
ebb  tide,  as  though  God  had  almost  forgotten  to  be  gra- 
cious. What  was  the  cause  of  so  great  spiritual  declen- 
sion ?  As  the  minutes  for  this  year  contain  no  digest  of 
letters  from  the  churches,  but  little  information  can  be 
gained  from  them  in  answer  to  the  question,  other  than 
the  fact  shown  by  the  statistics  that  there  were  but  five 
ministers  laboring  among  all  the  seventeen  churches 
during  the  year. 

The  Committee  on  Ministerial  Destitution,  said  in  their 
report : 

"Your  Committee  find  from  the  letters  of  the  churches  of  this  body, 
but  two  churches  that  are  regularly  supplied  with  the  ministration  of 
the  word ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  1st.  That  this  destitution  calls  for  deep  humiliation  on  the 
part  of  the  churches. 

Mesohed,  2d.  That  we  recommend  to  the  churches  to  humble  them- 
selves in  the  sight  of  God,  and  pray  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to  send 
more  faithful  laborers  into  His  harvest. 

Resolved,  3d.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  the  churches  to  sustain  their 
ministers  by  their  contributions  and  their  prayers. " 

Looking  back  to  those  days  of  planting,  in  the  wilder- 
ness of  the  then  Great  West,  who  of  us  shall  for  one 
moment  question  the  faithfulness  of  the  hardy  pioneer 
preachers,  many  of  whom  wrought  with  their  own  hands 
six  days  in  the  week,  and  as  well  as  they  were  able  to  do, 
preached  the  gospel  on  the  seventh,  many  of  them  alike 
without  any  special  preparation,  or  any  pay  for  their 
services.  They  had  obstacles  to  overcome  which  most  of 
them  met  with  heroic  spirits,  and  God  blessed  them  and 
their  work.  There  were  leaders  among  them,  men  of 
sterling  native  talent,  and  true  piety,  not  often  surpassed 
in  these  respects  by  the  more  cultivated  preachers  of  our 
own  time.  For  rugged  natural  eloquence,  some  of  them 
were  specially  distinguished,  whilst  the  spirit  of  the  reso- 
lutions passed  in  the  meetings  of  the  Association  show 
the  breadth  of  their  sympathies,  and  the  ardent  spirit 
which  animated  them  in  their  work. 


Baptist  Association.  37 


1847 

The  Association  met  with  the  Winchester  Church, 
Scott  county,  on  Friday,  September  3d,  1847.  The  intro- 
ductory sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  J.  0.  Metcalf,  from 
Proverbs  xiv,  14.  Eev.  Thomas  Taylor  was  chosen  Mod- 
erator. The  stated  Clerk  being  absent,  Noah  Divelbiss 
was  chosen  temporary  Clerk. 

The  total  membership  reported  this  year,  was  seven 
hundred  and  sixty-four,  with  eleven  added  by  baptism. 

Eev.  Gilbert  S.  Bailey  settled  as  pastor  of  the  Spring- 
field Church,  which  had  for  more  than  a  year  been  with- 
out pastoral  labor.  Rev.  Alvin  Bailey,  pastor  of  the 
Church  in  Jacksonville,  worn  with  the  multitude  of  his 
labors,  was  laid  aside  from  his  work,  not  able  to  preach 
on  account  of  ill  health.  The  Decatur  Church,  for  the 
first  time,  enjoyed  the  services  of  a  pastor  every  Sabbath. 
Eev.  Burton  Carpenter  having  settled  with  the  church 
during  the  year.  The  Stonington  Church,  for  the  first 
time,  had  preaching  every  Sabbath  this  year. 

In  view  of  the  great  lack  of  ministerial  labor,  the  Com- 
mittee on  Education  reported  strong  resolutions  favoring 
the  raising  of  $25,000  within  the  next  four  years  for  the 
endowment  of  Shurtlefl:  College,  as  an  institution  afford- 
ing necessary  facilities  for  acquiring  a  thorough  Collegiate 
education,  there  being  no  other  similar  institution  in  Illi- 
nois, Missouri,  Iowa,  or  Wisconsin. 


1848 

The  Association  met  with  the  Apple  Creek  Church,  in 
Morgan  county,  on  the  1st  day  of  September,  1848.  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Eev.  G.  S.  Bailey, 
from  Jeremiah  xxiii,  28,  after  which  Eev.  Thomas  Taylor 
was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  total  membership  reported,  was  nine  hundred  and 
twenty-eight,  there  having  been  one  hundred  and  sixty 


38  Spkingfield,  Illinois, 


additions  by  baptism  during  the  year.  Earnest  labor, 
attended  with  the  blessing  of  the  spirit,  once  more  became 
a  cause  of  rejoicing  to  the  churches,  and  a  new  era  of 
prosperity  and  growth  opened  to  the  Association. 

To  preserve  the  full  record  of  the  condition  of  the 
several  churches  at  this  important  point  in  their  history, 
we  give  the  following : 

SUMMARY  OF  LETTERS, 

Springfield  Church. — Is  erecting  a  commodious  house  of  wor- 
ship— of  brick — 64  by  48  feet,  to  be  completed  next  season.  Is  under 
the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  G.  S.  Bailey.  Enjoyed  a  revival  season  the 
last  spring,  during  which  about  thirty  united  with  the  church.  The 
labors  of  Rev.  E.  Dodson  at  that  time  were  greatly  blessed.  Sabbath 
School  sustained,  with  about  eighty  pupils,  seventeen  teachers,  and 
two  hundred  volumes  in  library.  Female  Bible  Society,  prayer  meet- 
ings, etc.,  successfully  sustained. 

Diamond  Grove. — Present  condition  rather  discouraging,  in  conse- 
quence of  not  having  regular  preaching.  Expect  preaching  one-fourth 
of  the  time  by  Rev.  Thomas  Taylor.  Is  engaged  in  a  flourishing 
Union  Sabbath  School,  numbering  fifty  pupils. 

Indian  Creek. — Continues  in  harmony  and  brotherly  love.  Have 
enjoyed  the  labors  of  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Daniels  during  the  past  year. 

Island  Grove. — The  cause  in  a  languishing  condition,  but  har- 
mony prevails,  with  an  increasing  desire  for  a  "closer  walk  with  God." 
Is  erecting  a  comfortable  house  of  worship,  which  will  be  soon  ready 
for  use.  Rev.  Thomas  Taylor  labors  with  this  church  one-fourth  of 
the  time. 

Lebanon. — Has  in  its  connection  two  ordained  ministers,  Rev.  W. 
Meacham,  and  Rev.  Moores  Bailey.  Has  sustained  meetings  during 
the  past  summer,  preaching  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Taggart,  one  half  the 
time.  Is  engaged  in  a  Union  Sabbath  School  of  sixty  or  seventy 
pupils. 

Richland. — Have  been,  for  the  past  year,  like  sheep  without  a 
shepherd,  but  God,  in  His  great  mercy,  has  recently  sent  us  one  of  his 
servants,  the  Rev.  John  White,  who  has  visited  and  labored  with  us 
for  a  short  time.     Have  invited  him  to  become  their  pastor. 

Manchester. — Has  sustained  preaching  one-fourth  of  the  time, 
and  would  have  had  more  if  it  could  have  been  obtained.  Could  not 
find  a  preacher.     "How  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher." 

Stonington. — Sustain  preaching  constantly.  Brother  Paris  Pray, 
a  licentiate,  is  with  them,  ministering  acceptably.  Have  a  Sabbath 
School,  Bible  Class,  and  weekly  prayer  meeting,  and  take  an  interest 
in  the  benevolent  operations  of  the  day. 

Big  Spring. — The  year  has  passed  in  peace  and  harmony.  Though 
no  special  proofs  of  Divine  grace  have  appeared,  the  cause  of  true 


Baptist  Association.  ^9 


religion  is  on  the  advance.     Have  enjoyed  the  labors   of  the  Kev. 
Thomas  Taylor  one-fourth  of  the  time. 

Jacksonville. — Have  been  deprived  of  a  settled  pastor  since  the 
sickness  and  absence  of  Rev.  A.  Bailey,  but  the  Lord  has  visited  them 
in  mercy,  and  brought  many  into  His  fold.  Diiring  a  season  of  gen- 
eral revival  last  spring,  Rev.  W.  F.  Boyakin,  of  Jerseyville,  and  Rev. 
E.  Dodson,  of  Winchester,  labored  a  few  weeks  with  them  in  a  pro- 
tracted effort,  which  was  greatly  blessed.  The  church  is  endeavoring 
to  secure  the  services  of  a  pastor.  Sabbath  School  flourishing,  with 
forty  or  fifty  pupils. 

Hopewell. — Continues  in  peace  and  harmony.  Have  enjoyed  the 
labors  of  the  Rev.  John  H.  Daniels  once  a  month,  and  occasional 
preaching  by  Rev.  R.  S.  Cole. 

Sugar  Creek.— Have  preaching  by  Rev.  Thomas  Taylor  one-fourth 
of  the  time.     They  unite  in  sustaining  two  Sabbath  Schools. 

Martin's  Prairie. — Have  been  greatly  blessed  under  the  preach- 
ing of  Rev.  Elijah  Dodson.  Sinners  have  been  awakened,  and  many 
turned  to  the  Lord.     Forty  have  united  with  the  church. 

Winchester. — Commenced  a  series  of  meetings  in  January  last, 
which  resulted  in  the  addition  of  forty -nine,  thirty-nine  of  them  by 
baptism — many  of  those  baptized  being  young  persons  connected 
with  the  Sabbath  School.  They  have  a  pastor.  Rev.  E.  Dodson, 
whose  untiring  labors  of  love,  seconded  by  the  church  and  blessed  by 
God,  will  make  the  church  what  it  should  be — "A  city  set  on  a  hill." 
Making  arrangements  to  build  a  brick  meeting  house.  Have  regular 
preaching  three-fourths  of  the  time.  Pupils  in  Sabbath  School,  sixty; 
volumes  in  library,  two  hundred. 

Apple  Creek. — Have  the  labors  of  Rev.  Thomas  Taylor  one-fourth 
of  the  time,  whose  ministrations  have  been  greatly  blessed.  Harmony 
and  brotherly  love  prevail,  and  the  church  has  welcomed  into  its  com- 
munion seventeen  by  baptism,  and  seven  by  letter.  The  house  of 
worship,  which  the  church  had  at  much  expense  erected,  was  burned 
down  by  an  incendiary.  Undismayed  by  this  calamity,  the  church 
immediately  went  to  work  and  erected  a  new  and  more  commodious 
house  of  brick,  ready  for  the  reception  of  the  Association.  A  Union 
Sabbath  School  is  sustained. 

Decatur.  —The  Rev.  Burton  Carpenter  labored  acceptably  with 
this  church  until  his  health  compelled  him  to  retire  in  April  last,  since 
which,  the  church  has  been  without  regular  preaching.  Has  an  inter- 
esting Sabbath  School  of  nearly  fifty  pupils,  with  a  library  of  two 
hundred  volumes.  Sustain  the  usual  weekly  prayer  meetings,  and 
Concerts  of  prayer.  Have,  during  the  year,  fitted  up  a  convenient 
meeting  house,  capable  of  holding  the  usual  congregation. 

New  vigor  was  manifest  in  every  department  of  chris- 
tian endeavor,  and  the  appended  reports  of  Committees 


40  Speingfield,  Illinois, 


show  the  scope  of  the  work  which  the  churches  proposed 
to  themselves  m  the  cultivation  of  Foreign,  as  well  as 
Home  mission  fields : 

"  rhe  Committee  on  the  American  Baptist  Missionary  Union,  made 
the  following-  report,  which  was  adopted: 

The  Committee  on  the  American  Baptist  Missionary  Union,  would 
submit  the  following;-  report : 

In  looking  over  the  fields  occupied  by  the  Missionaries  of  the  Ameri- 
can Baptist  Missionary  Union,  we  find  that  thore  is  great  and  pressing 
need  of  additional  laborers.  Some  of  the  stations  already  occupied, 
are  in  a  languishing  condition  for  the  want  of  men,  while  other  inter- 
esting fields  are  opening  on  every  hand,  promising  a  rich  reward  to 
the  faithful  laborer  in  the  vineyard  of  Christ. 

We  believe  it  is  the  duty  of  the  present  generation  of  christians  to 
evangelize  the  present  generation  of  heathen  nations,  and  as  the 
church  is  the  only  Society  organized  by  ou.r  Heavenly  Father  for  the 
evangelization  of  the  world,  and  it  is  of  the  greatest  imijortance  that 
all  members  of  the  church  cultivate  the  spirit  of  benevolence  to  the 
fullest  extent ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  such  a  system  is  needed  in  the  prosecution  of  our 
Foreign  Missionary  Work,  as  will  secure  to  every  family  in  our  respec- 
tive congregations  the  reading  of  the  monthly  numbers  of  the  Maga- 
zine or  Macedonian — a  faithful  observance  of  the  monthly  Concert  of 
Prayer,  and  regular  monthly  contributions  into  the  Treasury  of  the 
Union  by  every  member  of  our  churches. 

I.  D.  Bawling s.  Chairman.''^ 

"The  Committee  on  the  Duty  of  Christians  to  sustain  Sabbath 
Schools,  reported  as  follows,  which  was  adopted: 

The  Committee  on  Sabbath  Schools  report,  that  the  interesting  fact 
of  many  of  the  churches  have  reported  to  this  Association  a  number 
of  conversions  from  those  who  were  regular  attendants  at  the  Sabbath 
School,  and  that  the  Sabbath  School  is  one  of  the  means  imder  God 
of  'training  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go ;'  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  this  Association  earnestly  recommends  to  every 
church,  to  renew  their  efforts,  and  establish  a  Sabbath  School  and 
Bible  Class  within  the  bounds  of  each  church,  as  being  calculated  to 
give  a  right  training  to  the  children  and  youth  of  our  land. 

Resoloed,  That  in  settlements  where  there  are  christians  of  differ- 
ent denominations,  we  wou.ld  recommend  the  Union  plan,  and  the 
books  published  by  the  American  Sunday  School  Union. 

Resoloed,  That  it  is  the  duty  of  all  christian  parents,  to  see  to  it, 
that  their  children  attend  regularly  some  Sabbath  School. 

E.  C  Miner,  Chairman.'" 

The  Chairmen  of  the  Committees,  Brother  I.  D.  Eawl- 
ings,  of  Jacksonville,  and  Brother  E.  G.  Miner,  of  ^Vin- 
chester,  after  a  lapse  of  a  third  of  a  century,  still  live, 
enjoying  in  old  age,  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  the 
foundations  they  helped  to  lay  in  that  early  day,  were 


Baptist  Association.  41 


the  sure  foundations  of  intelligence  and  Christian  princi- 
ple, upon  which  have  been  built  the  superstructures  of 
well  established  churches,  and  other  institutions  of  reli- 
gion and  learning.  The  memory  of  such  Christian  laymen 
as  these  is  never  to  be  forgotten.  Would  that  there  were 
more  of  them  to  give  their  presence  and  counsels  to  our 
Association  meetings  of  this  generation. 

Of  the  sixteen  churches  represented  in  the  Association, 
only  one,  viz :  the  Church  in  Springfield,  was  supplied 
with  preaching  every  Lord's  day.  As  a  measure  of  relief, 
a  Committee  of  two  was  appointed  to  obtain  the  services 
of  an  itinerant  Missionary  to  preach  within  the  Associa- 
tion, and  visit  all  its  churches  during  the  year,  and  labor 
among  them  as  their  needs  might  most  require. 


1849 

The  twelfth  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Association  was 
held  with  the  Springfield  Church,  on  the  31st  day  of 
August,  1849.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
Rev.  J.  N.  Tolman,  from  Psalm  iv,  3.  Rev.  W.  F. 
BoYAKiN,  of  Jacksonville,  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  total  membership  of  the  churches,  was  ten  hundred 
and  fourteen.     The  bajitisms  reported  were  eighty-five. 

The  summary  of  letters  shows  continued  and  increas- 
ing prosperity,  both  in  the  formation  of  new  churches, 
and  building  new  meeting  houses. 

The  Taylorville  Church,  constituted  on  the  23d  of 
November,  1848,  of  members  fiHinerly  belonging  to  the 
Stonington  Church,  and  the  German  Baptist  Church,  of 
Springfield,  constituted  August  29,  1849,  of  German  breth- 
ren formerly  connected  with  the  Springfield  Church,  were 
duly  received  as  members  of  the  Association.  The  Spring- 
field Church  reported  the  near  completion  of  its  commo- 
dious house  of  worship.  Rev.  G.  S.  Bailey,  pastor  of  the 
church  for  the  last  three  years,  and  whose  labors  and 


42  Springfield,  Illinois, 


influence  had  done  much  towards  the  promotion  of 
denominational  growth  in  the  Association,  and  the  State, 
closed  his  labors  with  the  church  on  the  1st  of  October. 

The  Island  Grove  Church  erected  a  commodious  house 
of  worship,  at  Berlin,  and  took  the  name  of  the  Berlin 
Baptist  Church. 

The  Winchester  Church  reported  the  erection  of  a  house 
of  worship,  built  of  brick,  40  by  50  feet,  which  would  be 
enclosed  this  year. 

The  Constitution  of  the  Association  was  amended  so  as 
to  make  the  2d  Article  read :  "This  body  shall  be  com- 
posed of  messengers  from  churches  embracing,  in  sub- 
stance, the  following  summary  of  Christian  Doctrine." 

Special  mention  was  made  in  many  of  the  letters  from 
the  churches,  of  the  mercy  of  God,  in  sparing  their  mem- 
bership m  so  large  measure,  from  the  ravages  of  cholera, 
which,  as  "the  pestilence  that  wasteth  at  noonday,"  pre- 
vailed so  widely  in  this  region  during  the  summer  of  1849. 

The  resolutions  passed  relating  to  the  various  objects 
of  Christian  benevolence,  show  undiminished  interest  in 
every  branch  of  the  work  of  giving  the  gospel  to  the  whole 
world. 

Two  hundred  and  fifteen  dollars  were  contributed  for 
Home,  and  Foreign  missions,  and  the  Bible  cause,  during 
the  year. 

The  deliberations  of  the  Association  were  of  deep  and 
exciting  interest,  yet  marked  throughout  by  the  utmost 
harmony. 


Baptist  Association.  43 


CHAPTER  II. 


1850 

THE  Association  met  with  the  Manchester  Church,  on 
the  30th  of  August,  1850.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  Eev.  T.  C.  Teasdale,  from  1st  Peter  ii, 
9,  after  which  Kev.  T.  C.  Teasdale,  was  chosen  Modera- 
tor, and  J,  G.  Johnson,  Treasurer,  for  the  next  four  years, 
Josiah  Francis  having  dechned  re-election. 

The  total  membership  of  the  Association,  was  eight 
hundred  and  forty-two.  Baptisms  during  the  year, 
seventy. 

This  year  marks  what  may  be  termed,  the  beginning  of 
the  Second  Period  of  the  History  of  the  Association.  Thir- 
teen years  have  elapsed  since  its  organization.  From  six 
churches,  with  a  total  membership  of  two  hundred  and 
ten,  it  has  increased  to  embrace  nineteen  churches,  with 
a  membership  of  over  eight  hundred.  During  this  period 
many  of  these  churches  have  been  constituted,  and  ten 
hundred  and  twelve  persons  baptized  into  the  fellowship 
of  the  churches  embraced  in  the  Association.  At  the  date 
of  its  organization  not  one  of  the  churches  had  a  meeting 
house,  meetings  then  being  held  at  private  houses,  or  in 
school  houses.  Now,  in  1850,  several  of  them  have  com- 
modious, and  others,  comfortable  houses  of  worship. 
Sunday  Schools  have  been  established  in  most  of  them, 
liberal  and  increasing  contributions  have  been  made,  from 
year  to  year,  to  the  various  objects  of  Christian  benevolence, 
and  a  large  advance  made  in  the  increase  ot  intelligence 


44  Springfield,  Illinois, 


among  the  people.  The  decade  thus  passed  away  was  in 
fact  the  formative  period  of  the  rehgious  history  of  all  this 
region  of  country. 

The  crying  need  of  the  time  still  was,  that  of  ministers 
to  preach  the  word,  and  feed  the  flocks,  so  many  of  which 
had  preaching  but  once  a  month.  Witness  the  following 
from  the  records : 

"The  Committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  subject  of  Ministerial 
Destitution,  submitted  the  following-  report: 

That  in  looking  over  the  field  of  labor  occupied  by  this  Association, 
and  the  reports  of  the  letters,  and  comparing  the  number  of  ministers 
in  the  Association,  and  the  multitude  of  souls  in  its  bounds,  we  are 
made  to  mourn,  and  ask:  What  can  be  doneV  Many  of  the  churches 
have  preaching  but  once  a  month,  and  very  few  all  the  time,  and  some 
none,  except  as  an  occasional  minister  passes  by  and  gives  them  a  ser- 
mon. It  may  be  said,  that  a  united  and  simultaneot^s  prayer  should 
be  offered  up  to  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church  for  more  laborers  to  be 
sent  into  the  field.  This  is  true,  but  prayers,  without  practice,  is  like 
faith  without  works — it  is  dead.  Therefore,  we  would  earnestly 
recommend  to  the  Association  to  take  some  immediate  steps  to  sup- 
ply this  great  lack  of  the  preached  word. 

J.  M.  Chapman,  Chairman.'" 

The  need  knoA\ai  and  realized,  the  source  to  which  those 
brethren  looked  for  supply,  is  pointedly  indicated. 

"The  Committee  on  Shurtleff  College  and  Ministerial  Education, 
submitted  the  following  report : 

In  the  great  work  of  evangelizing  the  world,  the  living  ministry  can 
never  be  dispensed  with.  Reason,  experience,  observation,  and  his- 
tory, unite  their  testimony  with  the  Bible  in  confirmation  of  the  great 
principle,  that  it  pleases  God,  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching,  to  save 
those  who  believe. 

Truth,  to  be  understood  and  embraced,  must  be  presented  intelligi- 
bly, clearly,  and  forcibly.  The  peculiar  nature  of  the  ministerial 
office,  the  spirit  of  the  age,  and  the  vastness  of  the  field  unoccupied, 
demand  more  systematic  and  vigorous  exertions,  more  frequent  and 
persevering  prayer,  and  more  liberal  contributions  to  supply  the  desti- 
tute with  a  devoted,  pious,  and  intelligent  ministry. 

Shurtleff  College  has  long  engaged  the  attention,  and  shared  the 
prayers  and  contributions  of  the  Baptists  of  this  State,  and  we  must 
still  look  to  her  with  the  earnest  expectation  that  a  class  of  ministers 
will  emerge  annually  from  her  walls,  to  give  the  bread  of  life  to  the 
perishing. 

Resolved,  That  the  Illinois  Baptist  Education  Society  is  indispensa- 
ble to  our  success  as  a  denomination  in  the  State ;  that  it  is  embalmed 
in  our  hearts;  and  that  it  is  worthy  the  sympathies,  prayers,  and  lib- 
eral contributions  of  every  Baptist  in  this  Association. 

J.  BuLKLEY,  Chairman." 


Baptist  Association.  45 


1851 

The  Association  met  with  the  Decatur  Church,  on  the 
5th  01  September,  1851.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Eev.  A.  J.  Bingham,  from  Matthew  i,  23. 
Rev.  Thomas  C.  Teasdale  was  appointed  Moderator. 

Tlie  Ehn  Grove  Baptist  Church,  in  Morgan  county,  was 
received  as  a  member  of  the  Association. 

There  were  one  hundred  and  sixty-six  baptisms  reported, 
and  the  aggregate  number  of  twenty  churches,  with  a 
total  membership  of  eleven  hundred  and  seventy-live,  and 
six  ordained  ministers. 

The  meeting  was  a  harmonious  one,  with  cheering  signs 
of  God's  presence.  Stirring  resolutions  expressive  of 
unabated  interest  in  Foreign  Missions,  the  worli  of  the 
American  Baptist  Publication  Society,  the  American  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society,  Shurtleff  College,  and  Education, 
were  adopted. 

Rev.  N.  x\lvord,  from  the  Committee  on  Home  and 
Domestic  Missions,  presented  the  following  report,  which 
was  adopted : 

"The  Committee  on  Home  and  Domestic  Missions,  beg  leave  to 
report : 

That  in  their  opinion,  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society 
is  doing-  a  great  and  good  work  for  onr  country,  and  deserves  the 
hearty  support  of  every  patriot,  philanthropist,  and  Christian.  The 
constantly  increasing  demands  for  aid  from  the  Society  to  the  feeble 
churches  in  this  great  Central  Valley,  and  above  all,  the  imperious 
demands  for  assistance  in  the  new  settlements  of  the  far  West,  call 
loudly  on  its  friends  for  a  continual  remembrance  in  their  prayers,  and 
an  enlargement  of  their  contributions  to  its  Treasury. 

Your  Committee  regret  that  no  more  is  being  done  in  the  cause  of 
Domestic  Missions  throughout  our  great  and  growing  State ;  and  they 
can  but  hope  that  some  efficient  plan  will  be  devised  at  the  approach- 
ing anniversary  of  the  General  Association  by  which  this  cause  of 
lamentation  may  be  removed.  It  is  the  firm  conviction  of  the  Com- 
mittee, that  the  vital  interests  of  our  cause  in  this  commonwealth 
demand  such  attention  as  an  effective  State  organization  alone  can 
afford.  What  we  need  is,  not  that  we  should  prize  the  operations  of 
the  Home  Mission  Society  less,  or  diminish  in  any  respect  our  contri- 
butions to  its  treasury,  but  that  we  should  prosecute  with  all  our 
might  the  cause  of  Domestic  Missions  at  the  same  time.  The  Com- 
mittee would  therefore  present  for  the  consideration  of  the  Associa- 
tion, the  following  resokitions : 


46  Springfield,  Illinois, 


Resolved,  That  our  confidence  in  the  Home  Mission  Society,  and 
our  interest  in  its  operations  are  unabated,  and  it  is  earnestly  recom- 
mended to  the  churches  comprising  this  body,  that  they  make  annual 
contributions  to  its  treasury. 

Resolved,  That  we  shall  hail  with  pleasure  the  adoption  of  some 
efficient  plan  by  the  General  Association  of  Illinois,  to  co-operate  with 
the  Home  Mission  Society  in  supplying  the  feeble  churches  and  desti- 
tute districts  in  our  commonwealth  with  an  able  and  evangelical 
ministry. " 

From  this  report  will  be  seen  how  the  churches  at  that 
day  realized  the  importance  of  cultivating  the  fields  which 
stretched  out  before  them,  already  whitening  for  the 
harvest. 


1852 

The  fifteenth  annual  meeting  of  the  Association,  was 
held  with  the  Jacksonville  Church,  on  the  3d,  4th  and  5th 
days  of  September,  1851.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Rev.  Burton  Carpenter,  from  1st  Cor.  iii,  9. 
Eev.  C.  B.  Phillips  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  A.  J. 
Bingham,  Clerk. 

The  total  membership  reported,  was  twelve  hundred 
and  twenty,  there  having  been  one  hundred  and  sixteen 
additions  by  baptism,  seventy-five  of  which  were  into  the 
fellowship  of  the  Jacksonville  Church.  This  was  a  larger 
number  than  had  been  thus  added  to  any  one  church  in 
a  year,  since  the  organization  of  the  Association.  The 
Martin's  Prairie  Church,  at  its  own  request,  was  dismissed 
from  the  Association,  to  unite  with  the  North  District 
Association.  The  Hopewell  Church  was  also,  at  its  own 
request,  dismissed,  to  unite  with  the  Clary's  Grove 
Association. 

The  Committee  on  Ministerial  Destitution  reported  that, 
"Notwithstanding  previous  resolves  and  endeavors,  we 
still  find  a  fearful  destitution  of  gospel  laborers  in  the 
field  embraced  within  the  bounds  of  our  Association. 
With  twenty  churches,  a  membership  of  upwards  of 
twelve  hundred,  we  have  but  four  or  five  settled  pastors, 


Baptist  Association.  47 


and  have  little  or  no  itinerant  labor.  The  Committee 
feel  deeply  the  obligation  and  necessity  of  immediate  and 
efficient  action,  and  offered  the  following,  which  was 
adopted : 

Mesolved,  That  a  Committee,  consisting-  of  the  acting  pastor  of  the 
Spring-field  Church,  with  Bros.  W.  W.  Watson,  Grover  Ayers,  I.  D. 
Rawlings,  and  E.  R.  Roe,  be  appointed  by  this  Association,  to  raise 
funds  for  the  support  of  one  or  more  itinerant  missionaries ;  also  to 
employ  such  missionaries,  and  take  the  general  superintendence  of 
the  mission. " 


1853 

The  Association  met  with  the  Stonington  Church,  Sep- 
tember 3d,  1853.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
by  Rev.  John  Teasdale,  from  the  85th  Psalm,  6th  verse. 
Rev.  William  Sym,  pastor  of  the  Springfield  Church,  was 
chosen  Moderator,  and  W.  W.  Watson,  Clerk. 

Fifteen  churches  reported  by  letter  and  delegates.  The 
statistics  this  year  show  eighty-nine  additions  by  baptism, 
and  a  total  membership  of  ten  hundred  and  thirty-three. 
Only  three  ordained  ministers  laboring  within  the  bounds 
of  the  Association  the  past  year.  The  South  Fork  Bap- 
tist Church,  in  Christian  county,  a  new  church  organized 
in  1852,  was  received  as  a  member  of  the  Association. 
The  Winchester  Church,  at  its  own  request,  was  dis- 
missed, to  unite  with  tke  North  District  Association. 

The  Committee  on  Domestic  Missions,  appointed  at  the 
last  session,  reported  as  follows : 

"Our  esteemed  brother,  A.  B.  Harris,  was  employed  six  months  ago 
to  labor  with  feeble  churches  in  destitute  parts  of  our  general  field  of 
labor,  at  a  salary  of  $400  per  annum.  During  that  period  his  work 
has  been  faithfully  performed,  and  attended  with  a  good  degree  of 
success.  He  has  been  engaged  in  several  seasons  of  revival  work,  and 
reports  about  eighty-three  cases  of  conversion  in  connection  with  his 
ministry,  and  that  he  has  baptized  fifty-one  persons. " 

In  view  of  the  success  attending  the  labors  of  the  mis- 
sionary, the  Committee  urged  the  necessity  and  importance 


48  Springfield,  Illinois, 


of  continuing  Mr.  Harris  in  the  field,  and  of  the  churches 
providing  means  for  increasing  the  missionary  work  of 
the  Association. 


1854 

The  Association  met  with  the  Berhn  Church,  on  Friday, 
September  1st,  1854.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Rev.  William  Sym,  from  James  i,  27,  after 
which  Rev.  William  Sym  was  chosen  Moderator,  and 
William  Stockdale,  Clerk. 

Sixteen  churches  were  represented,  the  letters  showing 
an  aggregate  membership  of  eight  hundred  and  seventy- 
seven,  with  ninety-five  additions  by  baptism  during  the 
last  year.  The  force  of  ordained  ministers  was  increased 
to  nine.  Letters  of  dismission  were,  at  their  request, 
granted  to  the  Manchester,  and  Big  Spring  Churches,  to 
unite  with  the  North  District  Association. 

The  following  report  from  the  Board  of  Domestic  Mis- 
sions, was  adopted,  viz : 

"The  Committee  on  Domestic  Missions  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Springfield  Association,  beg  leave  to  present 
to  the  Association  a  summary  view  of  the  labors  and 
receipt  of  funds  by  Brother  A.  B.  Harris,  who  has  been 
laboring  in  their  service  as  Missionary  fourteen  months, 
up  to  the  close  of  April  last.  Brother  Harris  has  labored 
with  commendable  zeal  and  assiduity,  and  the  blessing 
of  God  has  crowned  his  labors  with  encouraging  success. 
His  reports  show  that  he  has,  during  the  past  Associa- 
tional  year,  travelled  3,650  miles — made  1,058  religious 
family  visits — delivered  422  sermons  and  addresses — bap- 
tized, in  connection  with  labors  put  forth  at  protracted 
meetings,  129  converts — and  held  158  prayer  meetings. 

These  labors  were  performed  principally  with  the  Sugar 
Creek,  Lebanon,  Berlin,  Winchester,  Diamond  Grove, 
Apple  Creek,  Sangamon  Bottom,  Centerville,  Decatur,  and 
Taylorville  Churches — the  Missionary  assisting  the  pastors 


Baptist  Association.  49 


during  their  extra  labors,  and  otherwise  aiding  the 
general  cause.  Our  Missionary  collected  in  funds  from 
the  different  churches,  $294,  and  received  from  Brother 
Watson,  Treasurer,  $75,  making  in  all  $344,  and  leaving 
a  balance  now  due  Brother  Harris  of  $98. 

Your  Board  are  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  impor- 
tance and  urgent  call  for  intelligent  and  well-directed 
Missionary  labor  within  the  bounds  of  this  Association, 
and  would  respectfully  suggest  that  this  body  give  the 
subject  the  attention  which  its  sacred  character  demands." 

The  Association  then  directed  the  Board  to  employ 
Brother  Harris  as  Missionary  within  the  bounds  of  this 
Association  for  the  ensuing  year. 

On  motion,  Eev.  Wm.  Sym,  W.  W.  Watson,  and  Gro- 
ver  Ayers,  were  continued  as  the  Board  of  Domestic 
Missions  for  the  ensuing  year. 


1855 

The  Springfield  Baptist  Association  met  according  to 
appointment,  with  the  Baptist  Church,  in  Eichland,  on 
Friday,  August  31st,  1855,  at  10  o'clock,  a.  m.  After  sing- 
ing, and  prayer  by  Eev.  A.  B.  Harris,  the  opening  sermon 
was  preached  by  Eev.  G.  W.  Pendleton,  from  Psalms 
xlvi,  4:  "There  is  a  river,  the  streams  whereof  shall 
make  glad  the  city  of  God."  Eev.  J.  N.  Tolman,  of 
Decatur,  was  chosen  Moderator ;  Eev.  G.  W.  Pendleton, 
of  Jacksonville,  Clerk,  and  W.  W.  Watson,  of  Springfield, 
Treasurer. 

Eleven  ordained  ministers  are  embraced  in  the  list  of 
pastors  within  the  bounds  of  the  Association  this  year. 
The  Lord  heard  the  cry  of  His  people,  and  answered  it. 
The  fathers  who  first  cultivated  the  opening  fields  of 
gospel  service  in  Central  Illinois,  have  now  given  place  to 
others  ;  some  of  them  having  finished  their  earthly  mis- 
sion and  work,  have  fallen  asleep  in  Jesus ;  others  bowed 


50  Speingfield,  Illinois, 


by  the  infirmities  of  years,  have  given  up  active  service, 
and  await  their  change  with  joyful  trust  in  Him  whom 
they  so  faithfully  served  in  their  day  and  generation. 

The  Waverly,  and  Mount  Pleasant  Churches,  were 
received  as  members  of  the  Association. 

The  Executive  Committee  made  the  following  report  on 
Domestic  Missions : 

"In  the  early  part  of  the  Associational  year,  we  entered 
into  an  arrangement  with  Rev.  A.  B.  Harris,  to  labor  as 
a  Missionary  for  a  period  of  ten  months,  fixing  his  salary 
at  $400  per  annum.  He  commenced  his  labors  the  1st  of 
November,  and  from  that  period  up  to  the  present  time, 
has  prosecuted  his  work  with  diligence  and  success.  Dur- 
ing ten  months  service,  he  has  traveled  3,402  miles  ;  made 
634  family  visits;  delivered  202  sermons  and  public 
addresses  ;  attended  60  prayer  meetings  ;  baptized  7  con- 
verts ;  sold  216  volumes  for  the  American  Baptist  Publica- 
tion Society;  distributed  1,300  pages  of  tracts,  and  aided 
in  the  ordination  of  two  ministers.  The  labors  of  Brother 
Harris  have  been  performed  with  the  Lebanon,  Sugar 
Creek,  Apple  Creek,  Diamond  Grove,  Centerville,  and 
Sangamon  Bottom  Churches.  One-fourth  of  his  time  h9,s 
been  spent  with  the  Centerville  Church.  He  has  received 
the  following  amounts  of  money  during  his  ten  months' 
service : 


From  the  Centerville  Church $82  50 

Sangamon  Bottom  Church 19  00 

Jacksonville  Church 12  50 

Diamond  Grove  Church 1  00 

Apple  Creek  Church 8  00 

Lebanon  Church 8  00 

Sugar  Creek  Church 8  00 

American  Baptist  Publication  Society 17  00 

Springfield  Church 40  00 

Total $196  00 

Piev.  N.  W.  Miner  offered    the   following  resolution, 
which  was  adopted : 

''Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  low   state  of  religion 
among  us,  the  churches  of  this  Association  observe  the 


Baptist  Association.  51 


first  Monday  in  January,  1856,  as  a  day  of  humiliati9n, 
fasting  and  prayer  to  Almighty  God,  for  the  outpouring 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  a  revival  of  his  work." 


1856 

The  Association  met  with  the  Centerville  Church,  on 
the  5th  of  September,  1856.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  Eev.  J.  N.  Tolman,  from  Matt,  v,  14: 
"Ye  are  the  Light  of  the  World."  Rev.  J.  N.  Tolman  was 
chosen  Moderator. 

Eighteen  churches,  with  a  membership  of  ten  hundred 
and  forty,  were  reported.  Received  by  baptism,  one  hun- 
dred and  eighty-one. 

Eev.  Cyrus  Miner,  Pastor  of  the  Berlin  Church,  died 
during  the  last  year,  highly  esteemed  by  his  people  and 
brethren  in  the  ministry,  as  a  faithful  minister  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

The  Union  Baptist  Church,  in  Shelby  county,  was 
received  as  a  member  of  the  Association. 

The  Executive  Committee  of  the  Association,  reported, 
"That  they  had  entered  into  an  arrangement  with  the 
General  Association  of  the  State,  in  which  they  had  trans- 
ferred their  Missionary,  Rev.  A.  B.  Harris,  to  the  direction 
of  that  Board  for  the  last  year. "    The  report  was  approved. 

Rev.  B.  F.  Chapman  offered  the  following  resolution, 
which  was  adopted : 

''Resolved,  That  the  churches  of  this  Association  be 
requested  to  send  by  their  delegates  to  the  next  session,  a 
full  report  of  the  condition  of  their  respective  Sabbath 
Schools  ;  and  that  the  evening  of  the  first  day  of  the  Asso- 
ciation be  set  apart  for  a  conference  touching  the  best 
means  to  be  employed  for  the  advancement  of  the  Sab- 
bath School  enterprise." 


52  Spkingfield,  Illinois, 


1857 

The  ^Association  met  at  Taylorville,  Christian  county, 
Friday,  September  4th,  1857,  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.  _  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  from  Matthew  vi,  10 : 
"Thy  Kingdom  come."  Eev.  J.  N.  Tolman  was  chosen 
Moderator. 

The  Clear  Creek  Baptist  Church  was  received  as  a 
member  of  the  Association.  The  Apple  Creek,  and  the 
Sugar  Creek  Churches  were,  by  their  own  request,  dis- 
missed from  the  Association,  to  unite  with  the  Carrolton 
Association. 

Sixteen  churches  reported  this  year,  with  an  aggregate 
membership  of  nine  hundred  and  twenty-seven.  Only 
eight  were  received  by  baptism  during  the  year,  the  small- 
est number  of  any  year  since  1846.  How  true  it  is  that 
"The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth.  *  *  *  *  So  is 
every  one  that  is  born  of  the  Spirit."  This  law  of  the 
Divine  working  upon  the  hearts  and  consciences  of  men, 
is  illustrated  here,  as  everywhere  in  the  history  of  the 
Christian  Church. 

The  Executive  Committee  of  the  Association  reported, 
that  in  the  early  part  of  the  year  they  engaged  Rev.  A.  B. 
Harris  to  labor  within  the  bounds  of  the  Association  as 
an  itinerant  Missionary,  at  the  salary  of  !t>400  per  annum. 
The  following  is  an  abstract  of  his  annual  report : 

During  the  year  ending  September  Ist,  1857,  I  have 
performed  fifty-two  v/eeks'  labor  for  the  Springfield,  and 
General  Associations,  as  their  Missionary.  I  have  trav- 
eled, in  the  discharge  of  my  duty,  4,580  miles  ;  made  914 
family  visits  ;  preached  101  sermons  ;  delivered  64  piiblic 
addresses  ;  attended  34  prayer  meetings  ;  number  of  per- 
sons converted,  8;  number  joined  the  church,  8;  bap- 
tized 5 ;  sold  720  volumes,  including  120  of  'Theodosia 
Ernest;'  80  of 'Spurgeon's  Sermons;'  besides  other  vol- 
umes of  Baptist  and  religious  publications. 


Baptist  Association.  35 


AMOUNT  OF  MONEY  RECEIVED. 

From  Centerville  Church $43  50 

From  Sugar  Creek  Church 30  00 

Collections  on  the  field 4  00 

From  General  Association 50  00 

From  sale  of  books 80  00 

Total $20(5  50 

The  above  labor  has  been  performed  in  Morgan,  San- 
gamon, Menard,  Cass,  Christian,  and  Macoupin  counties. 
For  nine  months  past  I  have  supphed  the  Centerville 
Church,  one  Sabbath  in  a  month.  For  six  months  past, 
the  Sugar  Creek  Church,  once  a  month.  I  have  also 
preached  at  Lebanon,  on  Lick  Creek,  once  a  month  for 
live  months  past.  The  balance  of  the  time  I  have  been 
itinerating  over  the  field,  sowing  broadcast  the  good  seed. 

A.  B.  Hakris,  Missionary." 

The  Committee  on  Benevolent  Operations  reported  the 
following  resolutions,  which  were  adopted : 

''Resolved,  That  the  efforts  of  the  Missionary  Union,  in 
endeavoring  to  spread  the  gospel  among  the  heathen,  are 
worthy  of  our  serious  consideration  and  earnest  prayers  ; 
and  that  the  widening  field  of  their  operations  demands 
from  the  churches  of  this  Association  a  more  liberal 
support. 

"Resolved,  That  we  recommend  a  Domestic  Board,  to 
superintend  the  Missionary  work  within  the  limits  of  this 
Association,  to  co-operate  with  the  Board  of  the  General 
Association. 

''Resolved,  That  the  Illinois  Baptist  General  Association, 
in  its  efforts  to  preach  the  gospel  to  feeble  churches,  and 
in  destitute  settlements  and  towns  of  this  State,  is  doing 
a  work  which  we  fully  endorse.  The  efficiency  with  which 
they  prosecute  the  work,  and  the  blessing  of  God  which 
attends  their  labors,  give  us  the  highest  satisfaction.  In 
view  of  the  pressing  demands  for  this  service,  we  pledge 
to  this  organization  our  earnest  sympathy  and  prayers, 
and  an  increase  of  funds  for  the  year  to  come. 

"Resolved,  That  we  recommend  to  the  churches  of  this 
Association  that  they  co-operate  with  the  Illinois  Baptist 


54  Springfield,  Illinois, 

Education  Society,  in  aiding  young  men  in  prosecuting 
their  studies  preparatory  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and 
that  they  take  up  annual  collections  for  its  treasury." 

A  collection  and  subscription  were  taken  for  the  Illinois 
Baptist  Education  Society,  amounting  to  $162.50. 

The  Decatur  Church  reported  its  new  house  of  worship 
nearly  completed ;  two  weekly  prayer  meetings,  and  a 
monthly  missionary  meeting;  a  Sunday  School,  with 
forty  scholars  and  six  teachers,  and  a  Bible  Class,  con- 
ducted by  the  pastor. 

The  Circular  Letter  for  this  year  closes  as  follows : 

"We  love  the  'old  paths'  better  than  new  ones,  and  pre- 
fer the  simplicity  of  faith  to  any  improvements  of  the 
'wise.'  And  we  rejoice  that  there  is  a  growing  attach- 
ment to  the  fundamental  doctrines  of  grace  ;  and  a  deeper 
sense  of  the  truth  and  glory  of  the  cross  of  Christ  in  the 
ministry.  It  is  the  doctrine  of  Baptists  that  we  are  justi- 
fied by  faith,  that  Jesus  Christ  is  eternal  and  almighty, 
and  that  we  worship  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit, 
three  persons  and  one  God.  The  Bible,  and  the  Bible 
only,  is  our  safe  and  sure  du'ectory  on  all  points  of  reli- 
gious faith  and  practice." 


1858 

The  twenty-first  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Association, 
was  held  with  the  Church  in  Springfield,  commencing  on 
Friday,  September  10th,  1858.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  Kev.  G.  W.  Pendleton,  from  Isaiah  xxx, 
7.    Rev.  J.  B.  Olcutt  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  total  membership  was,  this  year,  ten  hundred  and 
sixty-five,  with  one  hundred  and  fifty-one  additions  dur- 
ing the  year,  by  baptism.  Berlin,  Stonington,  and  Spring- 
field Churches  shared  most  largely  in  the  revival  influences 
of  the  year.    The  Baptist   Church  of  Pana,   Christian 


Baptist  Association.  55 


county,  constituted  July  21,  1858,  with  eleven  members, 
was  received  as  a  member  of  the  Association. 

The  Executive  Committee  made  the  following  report : 

That  we  have  employed  Rev.  A.  B.  Harris  as  our  Mis- 
sionary within  the  bounds  of  this  Association  during  the 
past  year.  He  has  traveled  4,087  miles  ;  made  832  family 
visits ;  preached  140  sermons ;  delivered  72  public 
addresses ;  held  and  attended  65  prayer  and  conference 
meetings ;  50  have  been  converted ;  25  baptized ;  35 
united  with  our  churches,  and  sold  300  volumes. 

AMOUNT  OP  MONEY  RECEIVED. 

From  Diamond  Grove  Church $100  00 

From  Lebanon  Church 30  00 

From  Berlin  Church 76  50 

Collected  on  the  field 3  .30 

From  W.  W.  Watson,  Treasurer 62  90 

From  Springfield  Church 10  00 

From  Centerville  Church 11  50 

From  General  Association  91  00 

Total $385  20 

On  Friday  evening  reports  were  submitted,  and 
addresses  made  on  the  subject  of  Sunday  Schools.  The 
reports  showed  that  there  were  five  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  scholars,  and  sixty-four  teachers  connected  with  the 
several  schools  in  the  Association,  and  twenty-one  hun- 
dred volumes  in  the  libraries.    It  was — 

"Resolved,  That  the  churches  of  this  Association  be 
requested  to  send  by  their  messengers  to  the  next  session, 
a  full  report  of  the  condition  of  their  respective  Sunday 
Schools ;  and  that  the  evening  of  the  first  day  of  the 
Association  be  set  apart  for  conference,  touching  the  best 
means  to  be  employed  for  the  advancement  of  the  Sunday 
School  enterprise." 


56  Springfield,  Illinois, 


1859 

The  Association  met  September  2d,  1859,  with  the 
Church  in  Stonington.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Rev.  N.  W.  Miner,  from  Job  xix,  25,  after 
which  Eev.  B.  Thomas,  of  Decatur,  was  chosen  Modera- 
tor, and  E.  L.  Gross,  of  Springfield,  Clerk. 

The  aggregate  membership  reported,  was  ten  hundred 
and  seventy-five.  There  were  fifty-seven  additions  to  the 
churches  by  baptism,  the  Church  at  Decatur  sharing  most 
largely  in  the  outpouring  of  the  Spirit  during  the  year, 
thirty-three  having  been  added  to  that  church  on  pro- 
fession. The  Baptist  Church  in  Friendship,  Macon 
county,  constituted  March  23,  1859,  with  twelve  members, 
and  the  Baptist  Church  in  Beardstown,  Cass  county,  con- 
stituted June  9th,  1859,  with  twelve  members,  were 
received  as  members  of  the  Association. 

EVENING  SESSION. 

According  to  a  resolution  of  last  session,  the  evening 
was  devoted  to  the  subject  of  Sunday  Schools.  Interest- 
ing reports  were  received  from  most  of  the  churches, 
giving  some  account  of  the  peculiar  characteristics  and 
excellencies  of  each  school.  An  hour  and  a  half  was 
devoted  to  addresses  upon  the  topic.  Among  the  speak- 
ers were  G.  S.  Bailey,  B.  Thomas,  W.  C.  Pratt,  and  J. 
B.  Olcott. 

The  reports  showed  an  aggregate  of  seventy-nine  teach- 
ers ;  six  hundred  and  ten  scholars,  and  twenty -four  hun- 
dred and  forty  volumes  in  the  school  libraries  connected 
with  the  several  churches. 

Piev.  G.  S.  Bailey,  from  the  Committee  on  Benevolent 
Operations,  recommended  that  each  church  fix  some 
specific  time  in  the  year  for  taking  collections  to  sustain 
the  various  benevolent  societies  of  the  denomination,  all 
of  which  they  commend  to  the  cordial  support  of  the 
churches. 

It  was  moved  and  carried,  that  a  Historian  be  appointed 
to  collect  material  for  a  History  of  this  Association  ;  that 
he  prepare  such  a  History,  and  submit  the  same  to  this 


Baptist  Association.  57 


body  at  its  next  session.  That  he  introduce  the  History 
with  some  account  of  the  causes  which  led  to  the  forma- 
tion of  this  Association,  making  his  sketch  as  complete 
and  accurate  as  possible.  Eev.  W.  S.  Goodno  was 
appointed  Historian. 

Kev.  A.  B.  Harris,  as  Missionary  of  the  Association, 
made  a  report  of  his  labors  during  the  year,  moneys 
received,  and  from  whom.  He  gave  a  graphic  sketch  of 
the  situation  of  the  churches  in  the  western  part  of  the 
territory  where   he   spent  most   of  his  time : 

Traveled  during  the  year  in  discharge  of  duty,  4,497 
miles ;  made  810  family  visits ;  preached  75  sermons ; 
delivered  40  public  addresses ;  attended  20  prayer  meet- 
ings ;  number  of  conversions  reported,  4 ;  baptized  and 
witnessed  baptism  of  7. 

Amount  of  salary $400  00 

Received  from  Centerville  Chiirch,  cash $135  00 

"  Princeton  Church   cash  and  pledges. . ,     30  00 

"  Diamond  Grove  Church,  cash 20  00 

"  Berlin  Church,  cash  and  pledges 64  00 

"  Jacksonville  Church,  cash  and  pledges.      25  00 

.  274  00 

Balance $126  00 


—5 


58  Speingfield,  Illinois, 


CHAPTER  III. 


I860 

THE  Association  met  with  the  Berlin  Baptist  Church, 
August  29th,  1860.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Rev.  W.  S.  Goodno,  from  Matthew  xiii,  38 : 
"The  field  is  the  World."  Eev.  B.  Thomas  was  chosen 
Moderator. 

The  total  membership  reported,  was  twelve  hundred 
and  forty ;  baptisms,  one  hundred  and  seven.  The  North 
Baptist  Church  of  Springfield,  constituted  May  29th,  1860, 
was  received  as  a  member  of  the  Association. 

The  Committee  on  reception  of  new  churches,  recom- 
mended that  the  Sangamon  Bottom  Church  be  received 
again  into  this  Association,  it  having  recently  effected 
a  new  organization. 

The  time  for  holding  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, was  changed  to  the  Friday  preceding  the  first 
Sunday  in  September. 

Piev.  W.  S.  Goodno,  who  was  appointed  at  the  last  ses- 
sion to  prepare  a  History  of  this  Association,  reported 
that  he  had  done  nothing  toward  such  History,  and  asked 
to  be  excused  from  further  duty  as  Historian. 

On  motion,  M.  Brayman  was  appointed  to  write  the 
History  of  the  Association,  as  by  resolution  adopted  last 
session. 

The  Committee  on  Eesolutions  reported  as  follows  : 

''Resolved,  That  all  the  religious  societies  sustained  by 
our  denomination,  are  benevolent  in  their  tendencies  and 
object,  and  calculated,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  to  relieve 


Baptist  Association.  59 


and  elevate  our  common  humanity,  and  advance  the  inter- 
ests of  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom."- 

''Resolved,  That  Sabbath  Schools,  and  Missionary  organi- 
zations, with  the  Bible  Society,  are  entitled  to  the  most 
cordial  support  from  all  the  churches  within  our  bounds." 

Eev.  Ichabod  Clark,  M.  Brayman,  and  W.  W.  Watson, 
were  appointed  a  Committee  on  Domestic  Missions. 

SUNDAY  SCHOOL  WOEK. 

The  evening  session  of  Thursday  was  devoted  to  the 
interests  of  Sunday  Schools, 
After  an  interesting  discussion,  it  was — 

"Resolved,  That  Superintendents  connected  with  the 
several  churches  in  the  Association,  be  requested  to  fur- 
nish this  body,  at  its  next  regular  session,  with  a  full  and 
complete  report  of  the  Sunday  Schools  under  their  charge, 
including  the  whole  number  of  scholars  ;  the  whole  num- 
ber of  teachers  ;  the  whole  number  of  books  in  library ; 
how  many  and  what  papers  and  periodicals  taken,  and 
the  number  of  conversions,  if  any,  that  have  occurred 
among  the  members  of  Sunday  School  or  Bible  Classes 
during  the  year." 

The  Clerk  of  the  Association  was  instructed  to  send  a 
copy  of  this  resolution  to  each  Sunday  School  in  the 
Association. 


60 


Springfield,  Illinois, 


The  following  Table  gives  the  statistics  for  the  year : 


Chueches. 


MiNISTEES   AND 

Delegates. 


Increase. 

Loss 

• 

cd 

M 

w 

« 

w 

b 

eO 

a 

a 

X 

5' 

(Tt- 

CD 

w 

o 

B 

en' 

o 
»— ■ 

P- 

cc 

CB 

CD 

p- 

& 

CD 

p. 

Springfield 

Beelin 

Jacksonville..  . . 

Diamond  Geove. 

Centekville 

Sangamon   Bot- 
tom   


Richland  .... 

Beaedstown 
Decatur 


N.  W.  MiNEE,  M.  Brayman, 
Josiah  Francis,  J.  C. 
Hall,  H.  L.  Field 

R.  R.  Coon.  T.  Foiitch.  M. 
Mowrey,  J.  Rhea.  J. 
Fouch,  L.  G.  Montague. 

W.  S.  GooDNO,  R,  Hock- 
ing, J.  W.  Goltra.  F.  M. 
Coard 

David  Lewis,  S.  W. 
Holmes 

A.  B.  Hareis,  p.  Cowdin, 
O.  Foster 


63 


David  Lewis,  J.  C.  Hart.. 

N.  J.  CoPFEY,  J.  "W.  Beek- 
man,  T.  Carter,  Wm, 
Carter 


David  Lewis. 


Tatloeville 

Mt.  Pleasant  . . . 

Stonington  

Feiendship 

North   Baptist, 
Springfield... 


Pana 

Speingfield 
Geeman 

Cleae  Creek  . 

Waveelt 


B.  Thomas.  D.  Morgan.  D. 
L.Allen 


No  report. 
No  letter.. 


B. 


C.  T.    Chapman,    M, 
Webster 

J.   Z.   Zimmerman,  J.  R 
Bower 


12 


20 

5 

3 
2 
3 
6 

4 
4 


ICHABOD      CLAEK,      F.     W, 

Ingmiee,  W.  W.  Watson, 
J.  G.  Stewart 


No  report. 


No  letter. 

Letter 

No  letter. 
Total. 


4.... 


107 


66 


81 
3 
5 


101 


o 


B 

CD 
1-1 


400 

129 

82 
30 
30 
26 

60 
16 

128 
31 
39 

100 
28 

80 
11 

36 


24 


81240 


Baptist  Association.  61 


1861 

The  Association  met  with  the  Eichland  Baptist  Church, 
August  30th,  1861.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
by  Rev.  Ichabod  Clark,  Pastor  of  the  North  Baptist 
Church  in  Springfield.  Piev.  S.  G.  Mixer,  of  Decatur, 
was  chosen  Moderator. 

A  new  church  having  been  formed  at  Alrginia,  Cass 
county,  where  a  former  one  had  become  extinct,  upon 
request  of  the  new  organization  presented  by  Eev.  Geo. 
P.  Guild,  it  was  received  as  a  member  of  the  Association. 

A  letter  from  the  Lebanon  Church  at  Loami,  which 
had  not  been  represented  for  several  years,  was  read,  and 
on  motion,  the  church  was  restored  to  full  standing  in  the 
Association. 

The  membership  of  the  Association  this  year,  was 
twelve  hundred  and  sixteen ;  baptisms,  eighty-seven,  of 
which  eighty-one  were  into  the  fellowship  of  the  Berlin 
Church,  and  six  into  the  fellowship  of  the  Virginia  Church. 

The  following  was  offered  by  Rev.  R.  R.  Coon,  which 
was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  according  to  the  Proclamation  of  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  we  recommend  the  last 
Thursday  m  September,  as  a  day  of  fasting,  humiliation 
and  prayer ;  and  that  the  Pastors  of  churches  in  theii- 
respective  charges  urge  it  upon  their  people,  in  view  of 
the  calamities  of  civil  war,  to  spend  the  day  in  earnest 
and  humble  supplication  to  Almighty  God  to  avert  the 
impending  ruin  which  seems  to  threaten  our  beloved 
country." 

As  illustrating  the  spirit  of  the  denomination  in  rela- 
tion to  the  civil  war  then  just  begun,  the  following  Circu- 
lar Letter,  written  by  Rev.  Ichabod  Clark,  and  printed  in 
the  minutes,  will  speak  for  itself : 

CIRCULAR  LETTER. 

"Beloved  Brethren: — Permit  us,  in  oiir  annual  epistle,  to  invite 
your  attention  to  some  of  the  ftigiift  of  the  jwesent  times,  and  the 
appropriate  duties  of  Christians  in  xiQW  of  them.  For  the  want  of 
such  attention,  the  Savior  reproved  the  men  of  his  time,  saying  unto 


62  Springfield,  Illinois, 


them,   'Ye  can  discern  the  face  of  the  sky,  and  can  ye  not  discern  the 
signs  of  the  times.' 

Each  period  of  life,  and  every  phase  of  society,  has  its  peculiar  trials 
and  duties  shadowed  forth  by  the  signs  of  the  times.  These  indica- 
tions should  be  carefully  considered  by  all  who  desire  to  glorify  God, 
bless  the  world,  and  secure  the  salvation  of  their  own  souls.  The  his- 
tory of  the  past  shows  that  great  good  has  been  lost,  and  fearful  evil 
incurred  by  a  heedless  disregard  of  providential  indications.  Thus, 
Jerusalem  lost  her  day,  and  the  things  which  belonged  to  her  peace 
were  forever  hidden  from  her  eyes.  As  Christian  patriots,  we  have 
fallen  upon  times,  the  foreshadowings  of  which  should,  by  no  means, 
be  dif?regarded.  As  a  nation,  we  are  isolated  from  the  old  world,  and 
therefore  not  exposed  to  be  greatly  affected  by  its  political  commo- 
tions. We  have  so  long  enjoyed  peace  in  our  borders,  with  freedom  to 
worship  God  without  fear,  that  we  have  come  to  regard  our  moun- 
tains as  standing  so  strong  that  we  should  never  be  moved — that  cloud- 
less splendor  would  attend  our  onward  course,  until  we  reached  the 
undimmed  glories  of  millenial  day.  But  how  is  the  gold  changed,  and 
the  most  fine  gold  become  dim!  At  this /tow  we  stand  face  to  face 
vitli  grim-visaged  war — a  war  of  life  oi'  death  to  our  most  valued  insti- 
tutions and  most  cherished  h^pes.  To  passing  events  none  can  be 
indifferent ;  but  of  the  signs  of  these  many  may  be  regardless.  We  do 
not  pretend  to  divine  all  that  these  signs  indicate.  This,  we  think, 
no  human  wisdom  can  determine.  Whether  we  are  to  come  out  of 
this  furnace  politicallj*  purified,  and  religiously  elevated,  jirepared  to 
move  on  in  a  brighter  career  of  national  glory  and  more  interesting 
course  of  religious  triumph ;  or,  as  a  punishment  of  our  great  national 
sins,  to  sink  in  deeper  gloom,  is  known  to  God.  We  may,  however, 
be  permitted  to  say  that  the  history  of  the  past  appears  to  us  like  a 
prediction  of  the  future. 

Here  in  this  wilderness.  God  planted  His  church  as  a  choice  vine. 
He  also  watered  it,  and  caused  it  to  grow,  until  its  fragrance  has 
begun  to  perfume  and  purify  the  contamiuated  atmosphere  that  has 
long  rested  on  heathen  lands.  May  we  not,  then,  hope  that  the  vine, 
thus  planted  and  nurtured,  will  still  be  protected — wiU  stUl  be  blessed 
and  made  a  blessing"? 

But  we  desire  to  call  your  attention,  particularly,  to  the  duties  of 
Christians  at  the  present  time.  A  moment's  reflection  will  show  that 
there  are  things  against  which  they  need  to  be  especially  guarded : 

First — An  absorption  of  thouglat,  interest  and  affection,  in  passing 
scenes.  Important  as  they  are  admitted  to  be,  there  are  other  inter- 
ests vastly  more  momentous.  All  governments,  save  one,  will  soon 
have  passed  away ;  and  all  worldly  events  are  chiefly  interesting  and 
important,  in  their  relation  to  that  everlasting  government 

Second — There  is  danger  of  forgetting  our  entire  dependence  on 
the  great  Ruler  who  is  over  aU — who  can,  and  will,  order  all  things 
according  to  his  own  pleasure.  As  a  result  of  such  forgetfulness. 
prayer — humble,  earnest  prayer,  may  be  neglected,  and  the  needed 
blessing  lost. 

Third — There  is  also  danger  of  cherishing  an  improper  spirit 
towards  those  whom  we  regard  as  the  authors   of  all  our  present 


Baptist  Association.  63 


national  troubles.  Contemplating  the  vast  expense  of  money,  time 
and  life,  caused  by  this  painful  struggle  to  pei-petuate  our  excellent 
government,  and  noble  institutions,  and  the  barbarity  of  our  domes- 
tic foes,  even  Christians  may  indulge  such  feelings  as  the  Savior  can- 
not approve,  and  such  as  are  inconsistent  with  the  personal  enjoyment 
of  religion. 

These  hints  in  regard  to  dangers,  naturally  suggest  the  path  that 
should  be  followed  by  Christians.  That  everg  Christian  should  be  a 
lirm  patriot,  standing  manfully  by  his  country^ s  cause,  is  too  obvious 
to  need  the  support  of  argument.  He  should  be  more — he  should  be 
emphatically  a  praying  patriot,  keeping  his  heart  with  all  diligence. 
The  hope  of  our  country  requires  it.  The  welfare  of  his  own  soul 
demands  it.  The  prosperity  of  the  church,  and  the  salvation  of  souls 
are  connected  with  it.  More  than  all,  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  honor 
of  religion,  are  concerned.  Let  us  then  remember  that  God  will  be 
sought  unto  by  his  people,  to  do  for  them  the  good  he  has  purposed 
and  promised.  While  war  is  exerting  its  distracting  and  demoralizing 
influence  throughout  our  country,  let  our  constant  prayer  be,  'Oh  for 
a  closer  walk  with  God.'  Let  us  not  forget  that  Christ  has  not  relin- 
quished his  claims — that  immortal  souls  have  not  ceased  to  be  of 
inconceivable  worth — that,  out  of  Christ,  danger  is  still  imminent  and 
fearful — that  the  voice  is  yet  sounding  in  every  ear,  'Prepare  to  meet 
thy  God.'  " 


1862 

The  Association  met  with  the  Waverly  Baptist  Church, 
September  5th,  1862.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Eev.  W.  F.  Nelson,  of  Jacksonville,  from 
Rev.  xix,  12,  13,  14,  after  which  Eev,  W.  F.  Nelson  was 
chosen  Moderator,  and  S.  W.  Holmes,  Clerk. 

The  letters  from  the  churches  reported  a  total  member- 
ship of  twelve  hundred  and  fifty-three,  and  thirty  bap- 
tisms during  the  year. 

Upon  the  reading  of  the  letter  from  Centerville  Church, 
announcing  the  death  of  Eev.  A.  B.  Harris,  the  Associa- 
tion suspended  business,  and  united  in  prayer  with  Eev. 
N.  W.  Miner,  of  Springfield. 

The  Baptist  Church  at  Shelbyville,  was,  on  its  applica- 
tion, received  as  a  member  of  the  Association.  • 


64  Spkingfield,  Illinois, 


M.  Brayman,  who  had  been  appointed  in  18G0,  to  write 
the  History  of  the  Association,  having  in  1861,  enhsted  in 
the  service  of  his  country  as  an  officer  in  the  army,  was 
discharged  from  this  service,  and  Eev.  Ichabod  Clark, 
Noah  Divelbiss,  and  Josiah  Francis,  were  appointed  a 
Committee  to  collect  the  historical  records  of  the  Associa- 
tion, and  from  them  compile  a  history  of  the  same,  and 
report  to  the  next  annual  meeting. 

In  view  of  the  present  state  of  our  country,  and  our 
entire  dependence  upon  God,  the  following  resolution  was 
adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  cherishing  undiminished  interest  in  the 
present  struggles  of  our  country  with  her  enemies,  we  will 
not  cease  to  pray  that  the  God  of  nations  would  grant 
wisdom  to  our  rulers  and  success  to  our  arms,  that  tliis 
wicked  rebellion  may  be  brought  to  a  speedy  issue,  and 
the  authority  of  the  government  established." 

The  letters  from  several  of  the  churches  speak  of  num- 
bers of  their  members  having  responded  to  the  call  of 
their  country,  and  enrolled  themselves  among  the  armies 
for  the  national  defence.  Among  these  was  Eev.  S.  G. 
Miner,  Pastor  of  the  Decatur  Church,  who  went  forth  to 
serve  as  a  Chaplain  in  the  army. 

The  North  Church  in  Springfield,  reported  the  comple- 
tion of  its  new  house  of  worship,  free  from  debt,  under 
the  efficient  labors  of  Rev.  Ichabod  Clark,  Pastor. 

Piev,  N.  W.  Miner,  and  Eev.  Ichabod  Clark,  were 
appointed  a  Committee  to  revise  the  Constitution  and 
By-Laws  of  the  Association,  and  report  to  the  next  annual 
meeting. 


1863 

The  Association  met  with  the  North  Baptist  Church  in 
Springfield,  Friday,  September  4th,  1863.  The  intro- 
ductory sermon  was  preached  by  Eev.  Perry  Bennett,  of 


Baptist  Association.  65 


Berlin,  from  Eoms.  xv,  13,  after  which  Eev.  N.  W.  Miner 
was  chosen  Moderator;  Eev.  F.  M.  ElHs,  Clerk,  and  W. 
W.  Watson,  Treasurer. 

This  Anniversary,  being  the  first  year  of  the  second 
quarter  century  of  the  Association's  existence,  marks  one 
of  the  most  interesting  periods  through  which  it  has 
passed.  It  was  held  at  a  time  when  the  great  civil  war 
waged,  on  the  one  side  for  the  destruction,  and  on  the 
other  for  the  defence  of  the  union  of  the  States,  and  the 
existence  of  the  Nation,  was  at  its  height.  Every  energy 
of  the  loyal  people  was  put  forth  to  preserve  and  perpetuate 
the  free  institutions  handed  down  to  us  by  the  fathers  of 
the  Eepublic. 

The  churches  reporting  this  year,  numbered  a  member- 
ship of  eighteen  hundred  and  thirty,  with  one  hundred 
and  thirty-seven  additions  by  baptism  during  the  year. 

Eev.  Nathaniel  Colver,  D.D.,  of  Chicago,  Gen.  Mason 
Brayman,  Eev.  F.  M.  Ellis,  and  Eev.  Geo.  P.  Guild,  the 
Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Country,  submitted  through 
their  chairman,  the  following  series  of  resolutions  : 

"The  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Country,  consider- 
ing it  the  duty  of  religious  as  well  as  political  bodies,  to 
give  expression  to  the  sentiments  of  their  members  on 
public  affairs,  report  for  consideration  as  follows  : 

"Besolved.  That  the  rebellion  now  existing  is  a  crime 
against  God  and  good  government,  and  destructive  of 
human  liberty  and  civilization  ;  and  that  it  is  the  duty  of 
all  christian  men  to  aid  in  its  suppression. 

''Resolved,  That  while  we  earnestly  pray  for  the  restora- 
tion of  peace,  and  a  speedy  termination  of  a  conflict  which 
has  brought  unutterable  calamities  upon  the'country,  we 
ask  for  no  cessation  of  war  involving  the  destruction  of 
the  national  life,  or  the  surrender  of  the  great  principle  of 
human  liberty  which  wicked  men  in  arms  would  destroy. 

"Resolved,  That  the  rebellion  was  begun  and  is  carried 
on  to  secure  the  indefinite  expansion  and  perpetual  recog- 
nition of  slavery.  That  slavery  is  sought  to  be  made  the 
corner  stone  of  a  new  government  in  defiance  of  the  spirit 


66  Springfield,  Illinois, 


of  civilization  and  christian  progress  which  characterize 
the  age.  That  the  institution  is  now  made  an  element  of 
strength  against  us,  and  that  therefore,  not  only  the 
instinct  of  national  preservation,  but  the  teachings  of 
God's  Providence  indicate  that  the  time  has  come  for  its 
utter  extinction. 

"Resolved,  That  as  christian  citizens  we  solemnly  record 
our  gratitude  to  Almighty  God  for  the  victories  which  have 
crowned  our  arms,  giving  promise  of  an  early  restoration 
of  peace  and  a  preserved  Union ;  and  that  "to  the  integ- 
rity, patience  and  enlightene'd  patriotism  of  Abrahaih 
Lincoln,  the  Nation  is,  under  divine  guidance,  indebted 
for  the  national  preservation. 

"Resolved,  That  an  expression  of  gratitude  is  equally 
due  for  the  patriotism,  courage  and  noble  fortitude  dis- 
played by  our  brethren  in  the  field,  who,  in  the  midst  of 
hardships,  toils,  wounds  and  death,  have  so  nobly  vindi- 
cated the  cause  of  constitutional  liberty. 

"Resolved,  That  as  a  religious  body  and  as  religious 
men,  laboring  and  praying  for  the  salvation  of  men,  it  is 
our  duty  to  give  our  influence  and  support  to  all  measures 
proper  for  securing  success  on  the  side  of  humanity, 
liberty  and  good  government ;  and  that  we  should  seek  an 
end  of  this  unrighteous  and  barbarous  rebellion  by  remov- 
ing, as  fast  as  possible,  the  guilty  cause  of  it. 

"Resolved,  That  we  implore  christian  men  everywhere, 
to  remember  that  it  is  'God  alone  who  giveth  us  the  vic- 
tory,' and  that  no  efforts  ought  to  be  made,  or  can  succeed 
without  his  blessing." 

_  Interesting  remarks  were  made  upon  the  above  resolu- 
tions by  Chaplains  S.  G.  Miner  and  J.  H.  Hazen,  and  on 
motion  of  Eev.  A.  C.  Hubbard,  of  Springfield,  they  were 
unanimously  adopted— first  by  the  Association,  and  then 
by  the  congregation. 

The  Committee  appointed  at  the  last  session  to  revise 
the  Constitution  and  By-Laws,  made  their  report  through 
Eev.  A.  C.  Hubbard,  which  was  received.  The  Articles 
of  the  Constitution  were  taken  up  one  by  one,  and  adopted. 


Baptist  Association.  67 


The  By-Laws  were  also  adopted,  after  which  both  Con- 
stitution and  By-Laws  were  adopted  as  a  whole  : 

CONSTITUTION  OF   THE   SPRINGFIELD   BAPTIST 

ASSOCIATION. 

Article  I. — This  Association  shall  be  called  the  "Springfield  Bap- 
tist Association, "  and  shall  be  composed  of  messengers,  who  shall  be 
members  of,  and  appointed  by  the  churches  which  they  represent. 

Article  II. — Every  church  composed  of  a  less  number  than 
twenty,  shall  be  entitled  to  two  messengers,  and  an  additional  messen- 
ger for  every  twenty  menibers. 

Article  III. — This  Association  shall  meet  annually  on  the  last 
Friday  preceding  the  first  Sabbath  in  September,  at  10  o'clock  A.  M., 
at  the  place  previously  appointed,  and  commence  its  session  with  pub- 
lic worship. 

Article  IV. — A  Moderator  and  Clerk  .shall  be  chosen  by  ballot  at 
each  session  of  the  Association,  who  shall  continue  in  office  until 
others  are  elected  to  supply  their  place. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Moderator  to  preside  and  lead  in  all  the 
transactions  of  the  meeting,  and  to  see  that  due  order  and  decorum 
are  observed  by  all  the  members. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Clerk  to  make  a  fair  and  impartial  record 
of  all  the  doings  of  the  meeting  during  their  session,  and  to  furnish  a 
correct  copy  of  the  same  for  publication. 

Article  V.— A  Treasurer  shall  also  be  chosen  every  year,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  receive  and  safely  keep  all  moneys  belonging  to  this 
body,  and  pay  them  out  only  as  directed  by  this  body,  unless  speci- 
fied" by  the  donor,  and  transmit  to  his  successor  in  office,  the  books, 
together  with  the  moneys  that  may  remain  in  his  hands  at  the  expira- 
tion of  his  tei-m  of  office. 

Article  VI. — The  churches  represented,  shall  send  with  their  mes- 
sengers, letters,  giving  an  account  of  their  progress  during  the  past 
year;  tlieir  additions,  diminution,  and  whole  number;  what  they  are 
doing  for  the  cause  of  Christ  at  home  and  abroad,  and  in  short,  what- 
ever relates  to  their  prosperity  and  peace  as  churches  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Each  church  is  expected  to  forward  money  for  the  printing  of  the 
minutes,  etc. 

Article  VII. — Any  church  wishing  to  unite  with  this  Association, 
applying  by  letter  and  delegates,  may  be  received  by  giving  satisfac- 
toryinformation  that  they  are  sound  in  doctrine  and  correct  in  prac- 
tice, on  which  reception  the  Moderator  shall  give  to  one  of  their 
delegates  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  on  behalf  of  the  body. 

Article  VIII. — When  a  church  shall  neglect  to  make  any  com- 
munication with  the  Association  for  three  years  in  succession,  thej 
may  be  dropped  from  the  minutes,  unless  their  continuance  is 
requested  by  at  least  two  members,  who  shall  engage  to  inquire  into 
their  condition,  and  report  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Association. 


68  Springfield,  Illinois, 


Article  IX.- — The  Association  can  exercise  no  authority  or  juris- 
diction over  the  churches,  each  one  of  which  is  an  independent  body ; 
nevertheless,  the  Association  shall  have  power  to  refuse  any  church  a 
Beat  in  this  body  that  shall  prove  unworthy  of  its  fellowship. 

Article  X. — The  Association  shall  have  power  to  hold  corres- 
pondence with  other  Associations  as  may  be  deemed  expedient. 

Article  XI. — This  Constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  regular 
meeting  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present,  provided 
notice  shall  have  been  given  of  the  proposed  amendments  at  a  previ- 
ous meeting. 

BY-LAWS. 

1 .  Every  meeting  of  the  Association  shall  be  opened  and  closed 
with  prayer. 

2.  No  question  shall  be  discussed  till  it  is  regularly  moved  and 
seconded. 

3.  No  member  oJ  the  Association  shall  speak  on  any  question  more 
than  twice,  nor  over  ten  minutes  without  special  leave  of  the 
Moderator. 

4.  Every  member  speaking,  shall  address  himself  to  the  Modera- 
tor; shall  avoid  all  improper  personalities,  and  shall  confine  himself 
to  the  subject  before  the  Association. 

5.  While  a  member  is  speaking  all  unnecessary  noise  and  whisper- 
ing shall  be  avoided. 

6.  Ministers  and  others  invited  to  take  a  seat  with  us,  may  take 
part  in  discussing  all  questions,  but  vote  on  none. 

7.  No  member  shall  leave  the  Association  without  leave  of  the 
Moderator. 

8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Moderator  to  appoint  all  Committees 
unless  it  be  otherwise  determined  at  the  time. 

9.  A  motion  to  adjourn  shall  always  be  in  order,  but  it  shall  be  put 
without  debate. 

10.  These  rules  shall  be  read  at  the  opening  of  every  sesfsion  of  the 
Association. 

Of  the  bi'ethren  present  at  this  meetmg,  were  the  vener- 
able pastor  Jacob  Bower,  one  of  the  earliest  Missionaries 
in  Illinois  ;  Eev.  Nathaniel  Colver,  D.D.,  of  Chicago  ;  both 
of  whom  have  since  gone  to  their  reward  on  high ;  Eev. 
N.  W.  Miner,  D.D.,  now  of  Trenton,  New  Jersev;  Eev. 
F.  M.  Elhs,  D.D.,  Pastor  of  Tremont  Temple  Baptist 
Church.  Boston,  Massachusetts ;  Eev.  A.  C.  Hubbard,  of 
Danbury,  Connecticut ;  Eev.  Melvin  Jameson,  Missionary 
of  the  A.  B.  M.  Union,  at  Bassein,  Burmah,  and  General 
Mason  Brayman,  of  the  U.  S.  Army. 


Baptist  Association.  69 


1864 

The  Association  met  this  year  with  the  Decatur  Church, 
on  the  2d  of  September,  18(34.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  Eev.  A.  C.  Hubbard,  from  Micah  iv,  2, 
after  which  Rev.  N.  W.  Miner  was  chosen  Moderator,  and 
Eev.  F.  M.  Ellis,  Clerk. 

There  were  twenty-two  churches  represented,  with  a 
membership  of  ten  hundred  and  eighty-seven,_  there  hav- 
ing been  an  increase  of  thirty-seven  by  baptism  during 
the  year. 

The  Baptist  Church  at  Mowequa  was  received  as  a 
member  of  the  Association. 

•The  following  resolutions  were  adopted : 

''Resolved,  That  the  command  of  our  Lord,  'Go  ye  into 
all  the  world  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature,' 
calls  for  renewed  and  earnest  effort  on  the  pai-t  of  the 
churches  in  this  Association,  and  the  success  which  has 
already  attended  the  enterprise  of  foreign  missions  affords 
encouragement  for  this  work. 

''Resolved,  That  we  are  under  renewed  obligations  to 
the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  for  the  special  tokens  of 
Divine  favor  seen  in  the  success  attending  the  Missionary 
Union,  as  a  great  auxiliary  in  sending  abroad  the  gospel 
among  the  nations  of  the  earth,  and  that  we  recommend 
to  the  churches  of  this  Association,  the  observance  of  one 
evening  in  each  month  as  a  Missionary  Concert  for  Foreign 
Missions." 

The  resolutions  on  the  state  of  the  country  in  1863, 
•  were  re-adopted  this  year,  as  the  great  contest  for  freedom 
and  union  was  still  waging. 

The  session  was  devoted,  as  usual,  to  the  ordinary  busi- 
ness of  the  Association,  the  only  noticeable  further  action 
taken,  was  the  adoption  of  the  following  relating  to  Sun- 
day School  work,  and  organization : 

"Dear  Brethren: — Your  Committee  appointed  at  the 
meeting  at  Springfield,  to  'make  a  report  at  this  session 
in  regard  to  a  permanent  organization  of  the  Sabbath 


70  Springfield,  Illinois, 


School  enterprise  in  connection  with  this  body,'  beg  leave 
to  submit  the  following  suggestions,  viz  : 

1.  That  the  Sabbath  School  exercises  be  embraced  as 
a  part  of  the  business  of  the  Association,  and  not  held 
separately. 

2.  That  the  Moderator  appoint  a  Committee  at  each 
Anniversary  of  the  Association,  who  shall  arrange  for  the 
Sabbath  School  Exercises,  at  the  following  Anniversary, 
and  that  this  Committee  be  a  regular  Standing  Committee 
of  this  Association. 

3.  The  Committee  recommend  that  the  report  of  the 
above  Committee  embrace  at  least  the  following  provisions  : 

I. — A  Sabbath  School  Address,  and  the  speaker. 

II. — Hearing  of  reports  in  full  of  the  several  schools 
within  the  bounds  of  the  Association,  embracing  full 
statistics  of  members,  books,  average  attendance,  benevo- 
lence, mode  of  conducting  school,  results,  etc.,  preceded 
by  addresses  or  Sabbath  School  exercises,  as  provided 
for  by  the  Committee. 

III. — Also,  that  a  provision  be  made  for  one  evening  for 
Sabbath  School  exercises,  during  the  meeting  of  the 
Association. 

IV. — And  in  addition,  that  the  report  of  the  Committee 
provide  for  a  meeting  during  the  sessions  of  the  Associa- 
tion, for  resolutions  and  general  conference,  and  discus- 
sion upon  the  Sabbath  School  work. 

The  Committee  further  suggest,  that  the  third  Article 
of  the  Constitution  be  so  amended  that  the  meeting  of  the 
Association  be  on  Thursday,  to  give  time  for  these  exer- 
cises. Finally,  we  recommend  that  the  minutes  of  these 
exercises  be  incorporated  in  the  minutes  as  a  part  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  Association,  rather  than  have  the 
Anniversary  of  the  Association  preceded  by  a  Sabbath 
School  Convention. 

F.  M.  Ellis,       /  ^        -4+     " 
A.  C.  Hubbard,  [  C'^"^^'^^^^^^- 


Baptist  Association.  71 


1865 

The  Association  met  with  the  Berlin  Baptist  Church, 
September  1st,  1864.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Eev.  Alba  Gross,  from  1st  Tim.  iii,  13,  14, 
after  which  Eev.  N.  W.  Miner  was  chosen  Moderator, 
and  Eev.  Fred.  G.  Thearle,  Clerk. 

Total  membership  of  the  churches  was  fourteen  hun- 
dred and  twenty-two,  of  which  eighty-seven  were  added 
by  baptism. 

The  Beardstown  Church  having  failed  to  report  for 
three  years,  was  dropped  from  the  minutes  of  the 
Association. 

Eev.  S.  A.  Kingsbury  addressed  the  Association  on 
"The  dangers  to  be  avoided  in  connection  with  the  work 
of  Sabbath  Schools." 

Brief  reports  from  the  several  Sabbath  Schools  were 
then  submitted,  after  which  the  following  topics  were 
discussed : 

1.  "What  shall  be  the  character  of  our  Sabbath  School 
literature  ?" 

2.  "What  should  be  the  immediate  results  aimed  at  by 
Sabbath  School  teaching,  and  how  most  surely  attained  ?" 

The  following  resolution  was  offered,  and  Eev.  G.  J. 
Johnson  presented  the  claims  of  the  Publication  Society : 

"Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  great  need  that  exists  for 
the  wider  dissemination  of  our  denominational  literature, 
and  the  services  of  missionary  colportage  in  our  country ; 
of  the  special  wants  of  people  of  the  South,  both  whites 
and  freedmen,  and  for  the  multiplication  and  strengthen- 
ing of  Baptist  Sunday  Schools  in  all  our  land,  and  in  view 
of  the  pressing  demands  for  enlargement  of  our  operations 
in  Sweden,  we  will  more  liberally  sustain  our  American 
Baptist  Publication  Society,  and  make  at  least  annual 
contributions  for  this  cause  in  our  churches." 

The  w^ar  waged  for  four  years,  having  at  last  been 
brought  to  a  close,  in  the  overthrow  of  slavery,  and  the 
preservation  of  our  National  Union. 


72  Speixgfield,  Illinois, 


The  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Country,  submitted 
the  following  resolutions,  which  were  adopted  : 

"That  whilst  with  gratitude  to  the  Great  Euler  of  Nations 
we  record  the  fact  that  the  war  wdth  the  so-called  Con- 
federate States  has  closed,  yet  we  cannot  consider  the 
rebellion  at  an  end.-  The  conflict  of  arms  is  over,  but  not 
the  conflict  of  feeling  and  of  ideas.  Passion  reigns  where 
force  has  been  subdued.  It  is  still  necessary  for  those 
who  love  Christ  and  believe  in  his  gospel  of  humanity,  to 
continue  their  attention  to  the  state  of  the  country ;  this 
Association  does,  therefore, 

"Resolve,  That  for  the  continuance  of  peace,  and  for 
the  ultimate  salvation  of  the  Union,  it  is  needful  that  the 
freedmen  become  freemen,  and  that  every  possible  effort 
be  made  to  educate  and  fit  them  for  their  new  position. 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  duty  of  every  Christian  to  do 
all  in  his  power  to  send  to  the  freedmen  and  whites,  mis- 
sionaries, teachers,  colporteurs  and  books. 

"Resolved,  That  upon  the  Baptist  denomination  especi- 
ally is  there  a  loud  call  to  engage  in  this  work ;  and  that 
the  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society,  and  the  Baptist  Pub- 
lication Society,  are  the  only  proper  organizations  through 
which  our  churches  should  act  in  this  direction. 

"Resolved,  That  loyalty  to  the  Union,  and  the  support 
of  all  proper  measures  for  sustaining  and  perpetuating  it, 
are  clearly  demanded  by  the  religion  we  profess." 


1866 

The  Association  met  with  the  Church  in  Jacksonville, 
August  31st,  1866.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
by  Rev.  R.  E.  Pattison,  D.D.,  from  Collossians  i,  27: 
"Christ  in  you  the  hope  of  Glory."  Rev.  Alba  Gross 
w-as  chosen  Moderator;  L.  R.  Brown,  Clerk,  and  John  W. 
Goltra,  Treasurer. 


Baptist  Association.  73 


The  total  membership  of  the  churches  was,  this  year, 
sixteen  hundred  and  twenty-seven,  of  which  number  two 
hundred  and  sixty-eight  were  baptized  into  their  fellow- 
ship, as  the  fruits  of  a  gracious  revival. 

The  Baptist  Church  at  New  Berlin,  and  the  Baptist 
Church  at  Chatham,  were  received  as  members  of  the 
Association. 

Kev.  G.  S.  Bailey  presented  the  claims  of  the  General 
Association,  after  which  a  collection  was  taken  for  its 
treasury,  amounting  to  $64.75. 

Eev.  C.  F.  Tolman  addressed  the  Association  in  behalf 
of  Foreign  Missions,  and  a  collection  was  taken  for  that 
object,  amounting  to  i?59.15. 

Eev.  Geo.  P.  Guild  delivered  an  address  in  behalf  of 
the  Publication  Society,  and  took  a  collection,  amounting 
to  $41.85. 

The  Committee  on  Sunday  Schools  reported  as  follows, 
and  after  remarks  by  several  brethren,  the  report  was 
accepted  and  the  resolutions  adopted  : 

"Whereas,  We  have  heard  with  great  satisfaction  the 
favorable  reports  respecting  Sabbath  Schools  connected 
with  the  churches  of  this  Association  ;  therefore, 

"Resolved,  That  we  recommend  to  all  our  churches 
more  earnest  efforts  put  forth  to  increase  the  interest, 
enlarge  the  influence,  and  make  even  more  effective  the 
Sunday  Schools  in  this  Association. 

''Resolved,  That  we  recommend  the  purchase  of  the 
publications  and  approved  books  of  the  American  Baptist 
Publication  Society,  for  Sunday  School  purposes. 

"Resolved,  That  we  further  recommend  the  setting 
apart  of  thirty  minutes,  to  be  occupied  in  discussing  ques- 
tions relating  to  the  Sunday  School." 

The  following  resolutions,  offered  by  Bro.  M.  Brayman, 
were  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  the  preservation  of  the  History  of  the 
Baptist  Denomination  in  America,  is  regarded  as  indis- 
pensable to  our  security  and  success,  and  a  proper  means 
—6 


74  Spkingfield,  Illinois, 


of  commemorating  the  goodness  of  God  in  blessing  the 
labors  of  His  people. 

''Resolved,  That  we  recognize  the  American  Baptist 
Historical  Society,  located  530  Arch  Street,  Philadelphia, 
of  which  Dr.  Howard  Malcom  is  President,  as  a  most 
efficient  laborer  in  this  work,  and  recommend  to  all 
organizations  and  members  of  our  churches,  to  forward 
to  that  Society  all  books,  pamphlets  and  written  docu- 
ments calculated  to  illustrate  our  Church  History,  encour- 
age denominational  unity,  and  promote  the  progress  of 
truth  and  enlightened  piety  among  us." 

The  Berlin  Church  reported  the  completion  of  a  new 
and  commodious  house  of  worship,  in  February  last. 

The  Jacksonville  Church,  Eev.  S.  A.  Kingsbury,  Pastor, 
reports  this  year  a  good  degree  of  spiritual  life,  and  well 
sustained  meetings.  They  report  the  church  as  free  from 
debt,  the  first  time  in  ten  years. 

Springfield  First,  and  North  Churches,  report  large 
accessions,  and  rich  spiritual  blessings  during  the  year. 

Waverly  Church  dedicatod  a  new  house  of  worship  on 
the  17th  of  June,  which  they  were  assisted  to  erect  with  a 
loan  of  $800  from  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission 
Society. 


1867 

The  Association  met  with  the  Loami  Church,  formerly 
known  as  the  Lebanon  Church,  August  30th,  1867.  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  byPtev.  F.  G.  Thearle, 
of  Decatur,  after  which  Piev.  F.  G.  Theakle  was  chosen 
Moderator ;  P.  J.  Wardner,  Clerk,  and  John  0.  Rames, 

Rev.  E.'S.  Walker,  W.  S.  Frink,  and  John  W.  Goltra, 
were  appointed  a  Committee  on  Resolutions. 

The  letters  from  the  churches  reported  a  membership 
of  fifteen  hundred  and  eighty-seven,  ninety-eight  having 
been  baptized  during  the  year. 


Baptist  Association.  75 


The  Forsythe  Baptist  Church  was  received  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Association. 

Eev.  J.  H.  Griffith,  Agent  of  the  Central  Baptist  Educa- 
tion Society;  C.  K.  Blackall,  Agent  of  the  American 
Baptist  PubHcation  Society;  Eev.  S.  M.  Osgood,  Agent 
of  the  Missionary  Union,  and  Eev.  G.  S.  Bailey,  of  the 
Illinois  Baptist  General  Association,  were  present,  to  rep- 
resent the  several  Societies. 

Collections  were  taken  up  during  the  session  for  these 
several  objects,  amounting  to  over  ^200. 

The  Church  at  Pana,  dedicated  a  new  house  of  worship 
in  February,  which  is  a  credit  to  the  denommation  and  to 
that  thriving  city, 

Eevivals  were  enjoyed  in  several  of  the  churches. 

The  Committee  on  Eesolutions  reported  the  following, 
which  were  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  in  obedience  to  the  great  commission 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  to  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature, 
w;e  recognize  it  as  the  duty  of  the  churches  of  this  Asso- 
ciation, to  give  to  the  Baptist  General  Association  of 
Blinois,  their  cordial  and  increased  support,  both  in  con- 
tributions and  prayers. 

"Resolved,  That  whilst  we  labor  and  pray  for  the 
upbuilding  of  Zion's  walls  in  our  own  State,  we  at  the 
same  time  acknowledge  it  to  be  our  duty  to  help  in  giving 
the  gospefto  the  whole  world.  The  American  Baptist 
Home  Mission  Society,  and  the  American  Baptist  Mis- 
sionary Union— twin  sisters  in  the  glorious  work,  are 
entitled  to  our  enlarged  contributions  and  most  fervent 
prayers. 

"Resolved,  That  the  work  of  the  Central  Baptist  Educa- 
tional Society,  in  searching  out  and  aiding  indigent, 
worthy  young  men,  who  are  cahed  of  God  to  preach  the 
gospel,  is  deserving  of  our  sympathies,  prayers  and  sup- 
port, and  we  heartily  commend  the  Society  and  its  work 
to  our  churches. 

_  "Resolved,  That  we  hereby  express  a  hearty  apprecia- 
tion of  our  own  Sunday  School  Society,  the  American 
Baptist  PubHcation  Society— the  record  of  which,  during 


76  Springfield,  Illinois, 


the  past  year,  shows  a  gratifying  progress  in  contributions 
received,  and  practical  work  done  in  the  direction  of  Mis- 
sionary Colportage  and  Sunday  School  improvement  and 
extension. 

"Resolved,  That  the  Christian  Times  and  Witness,  our 
denominational  organ  for  the  Northwest,  has,  during  its 
brief  history,  been  largely  promotive  of  our  denomina- 
tional growth  and  prosperity,  and  as  a  faithful  exponent 
of  Baptist  doctrine,  and  a  true  Christian  faith,  we  com- 
mend it  as  worthy  of  introduction  into  every  Baptist 
family." 

The  Committee  on  Sunday  Schools  made  the  following 
report,  to-wit : 

"That  we  feel  as  if  the  Sabbath  School  interests  of  the 
denomination  need  to  be  strengthened  by  more  combined 
efforts. 

That  there  is  a  crying  demand  coming  up  from  the 
central  portion  of  this,  our  noble  State,  for  such  a  combi- 
nation, which  can  only  be  met  by  a  thorough  and  well 
organized  Baptist  Sunday  School  Convention. 

That  we  recommend  to  this  body,  as  the  surest  and  best 
way  to  attain  this  end,  the  appointment  of  three  delegates 
to  the  General  Association,  whose  business  it  shall  be  to 
work  for  such  a  convention  in  Central  Illinois. 

Further,  that  the  delegates  to  surrounding  associations, 
be  instructed  to  request  the  appointment  of  three  dele- 
gates from  each  body,  to  confer  with  ours  in  this  matter." 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted  : 

"Resolved,  That  having  heard  with  sorrow  and  regret 
of  the  resignation  of  Bro.  G.  S.  Bailey,  D.D.,  of  the 
Superintendency  of  Domestic  Missions,  we  desire,  in  view 
of  the  closing  of  this  relation,  to  express,  as  an  Asso- 
ciation, our  high  sense  of  the  faithful  and  efficient  manner 
in  which,  for  the  past  three  years,  Bro.  Bailey  has  dis- 
charged the  laborious  and  responsible  duties  of  that  office, 
which,  under  God,  have  been  so  greatly  blessed  in  further- 
ing the  interests  of  our  denomination  in  this  State." 


Baptist  Association.  77 


1868 

The  Association  met  with  the  Eichland  Church,  Sep- 
tember 4th,  1868.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
byliev.  N.  G.  Collins,  from  2d  Cor.  iv,  5,  after  which  Eev. 
Alba  Gross  was  chosen  Moderator ;  P.  J.  Wardner,  Clerk, 
and  L.  S.  Harvey,  Treasurer. 

The  total  membership  of  the  churches  represented  this 
year  in  the  Association,  was  nineteen  hundred  and  forty- 
nine  ;  the  total  number  of  baptisms  was  three  hundred 
and  four,  a  larger  number  than  during  any  former  year 
of  its  history. 

The  venerable  Father  Jacob  Bower,  who,  for  thirty-six 
years  had  preached  the  gospel  within  the  bounds  of  the 
Association,  was  present,  and  preached  with  much  vigor, 
from  Psalm  126th,  6th  verse.  The  promise  was  fulfilled 
in  his  day.  He  saw  it,  and  was  glad.  The  precious  seed 
which  he  helped  to  sow  in  this  mission  field  in  1832,  was 
now  matured  with  the  sheaves  of  a  glorious  harvest. 

The  Mount  Zion  Church,  with  a  membership  of  forty- . 
six,  was  received  as  a  member  of  the  Association. 

Strong  resolutions,  setting  forth  the  importance  of  Sun- 
day School  work,  were  adopted,  showing  a  good  degree  of 
interest  in  that  branch  of  Christian  service. 

The  following  resolutions  were  also  adopted  : 

"Whereas,  There  are  several  feeble  churches  within 
our  borders,  unable  to  sustain  Pastors,  and  large  sections 
of  the  country  unoccupied  by  us  as  a  denomination, 
including  several  flourishing  towns  and  villages  ;  therefore, 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Springfield  Baptist 
Association,  to  appoint  and  sustain  a  Colporteur  Mis- 
sionary, in  connection  with  the  American  Baptist  Publi- 
cation Society,  to  labor  within  our  bounds. 

''Resolved,  That  a  Committee  of  three  be  appointed  by 
this  body,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  select  a  proper  man 
for  the  field,  determine  the  particular  field  for  him  to 
occupy,  and  decide  on  the  best  means  of  raising  his  salary 
and  carrying  out  the  intention  of  this  Association." 


78  Springfield,  Illinois, 


On  invitation  of  the  Pachland  Church,  the  Ministers 
and  Messengers  composing  the  Association,  met  on  Satur- 
day afternoon  as  a  Council,  to  consider  the  propriety  of 
ordaining  Bro.  Benjamin  Goldsby  to  the  work  of  the 
gospel  ministry.  He  was,  after  due  examination  as  to  his 
Christian  experience,  call  to  the  ministry,  and  views  of 
Christian  doctrine,  ordained  with  appropriate  services,  on 
Sunday  afternoon.  The  ordination  sermon  was  preached 
by  Kev.  N.  W.  Miner,  of  Springfield. 

Several  of  the  churches  enjoyed  gracious  manifestations 
of  the  Spirit's  presence,  during  the  past  year. 

Never  since  the  organization  of  the  Association,  have 
the  churches  been  so  fully  supplied  with  pastoral  labor. 

Springfield,  Pana,  Berlin,  and  Kichland  Churches,  were 
among  those  sharing  most  richly  in  the  spiritual  harvest. 

The  following  from  the  summary  of  letters,  is  note- 
worthy : 

"Springfield  First. — We  desire  to  express  our  gratitude 
to  God  for  His  preserving  care,  and  hope  you  will  be 
greatly  blessed  in  your  meeting.  Last  fall  our  service 
was  suspended  so  as  to  repair  our  house  of  worship,  which 
was  thoroughly  done,  and  also  wholly  re-furnished,  at  an 
expense  of  about  $2,400.  We  commenced  a  series  of 
meetings  by  holding  a  week  of  fasting  and  prayer,  begin- 
ning with  the  new  year.  At  the  close  of  January,  Rev. 
L.  Raymond  came  to  aid  our  Pastor,  and  tlie  ^vork  of 
saving  souls  by  preaching  Jesus  to  carnal  hearts,  was 
blessed  by  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church  in  the  salvation 
of  over  seventy  persons." 

"Pana. — We  have  been  made  to  rejoice  in  the  purifying 
streams  of  salvation  which  have  made  glad  the  city  of 
our  God.  Nearly  one  hundred  have  troubled  the  waters 
of  the  baptismal  font,  and  many  more  caused  to  weep 
with  joy  for  grace  so  freely  given.  We  are  thaidd'ul  for  a 
prosperous,  peaceful,  and  spiritual  condition.  Our  house 
is  crowded,  and  especially  is  it  so  at  night.  Our  congre- 
gations are  attentive,  and  often  deeply  affected.  Prayer 
meetings  and  Sunday  School  are  well  attended.  Rev.  H. 
H.  Northrup  is  our  Pastor. " 


Baptist  Association.  79 


1869 

The  Association  met  with  the  Baptist  Church  in  Stoning- 
ton,  September  3d,  1869.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Eev.  Alba  Gross,  from  1st  Cor.  ii,  5.  P.  J. 
Wardner,  was  chosen  Clerk,  and  Deacon  George  Wood, 
Treasurer. 

The  Good  Hope  Baptist  Church,  in  Christian  county, 
constituted  February  15th,  1868,  and  recognized  by  a 
Council,  June,  1868,  was  received  as  a  member  of  the 
Association. 

The  total  membership  of  the  churches  this  year,  was 
nineteen  hundred  and  nineteen ;  baptisms  reported,  fifty- 
one  ;  ordained  Ministers  and  Pastors  present,  twelve, 
besides  the  representatives  of  missionary  organizations. 

The  Chatham  Church  dedicated  its  new  house  of  wor- 
ship, February  14th,  1869. 

The  following  resolution,  introduced  by  Eev.  F.  G. 
Thearle,  was  adopted : 

"Whereas,  The  most  prominent  duty  of  this  body  is  to  supply  the 
preached  word  to  the  destitute  towns  and  villages  within  its  bounds ; 
therefore, 

'■^Resolved,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  devise  and  submit  a 
plan  for  Missionary  labor,  and  report  after  the  reading  of  the  church 
letters. " 

The  letters  from  the  several  churches  were  then  read, 
and  on  presenting  the  one  from  the  North  Springfield 
Church,  containing  an  item  with  reference  to  the  death 
of  Piev.  Dr.  Ichabod  Clark,  the  Moderator  asked  for  a 
suspension  of  business,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Eead  offered  prayer 
appropriate  to  the  occasion. 

The  Committee  on  Associational  Missionary  Work, 
made  the  following  report : 

-"1st.  The  appointment  of  an  Executive  Committee  of  five,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  confer  with  the  feeble  churches  of  the  Association, 
and  aid  them  in  securing  and  sustaining  the  stated  preaching  of  the 
gospel ;  also  to  secure  such  preaching  at  important  points  where  no 
church  is  now  organized. 


80  Springfield,  Illinois, 


"2d.  That,  so  far  as  practicable,  the  Committee  avaU  themselves  of 
the  services  of  Pastors  of  adjacent  churches;  and  that  they  also 
endeavor  to  secure  the  appointment,  by  the  General  Association,  of 
such  Missionaries  as  may  be  necessary  to  supply  other  destitute  fields, 
on  condition  that  the  means  for  the  support  of  such  Missionaries  be 
raised  by  the  churches  of  this'  Association. 

"3d.  That  the  churches  make  earnest  effort  to  raise  the  requisite 
funds  for  the  above  object,  and  that  the  Committee  be  requested  to 
apportion  such  amovmts,  as  equitably  as  may  be,  among  the  several 
churches,  and  that  the  churches  pledge  their  best  efforts  to  raise  the 
amounts. " 

The  Committee  on  Eesolutions  made  the  following 
report,  which  was  adopted : 

"Whereas,  The  work  of  Ministerial  and  Christian  Education  is  one 
radical  in  its  nature,  and  of  vital  and  pressing  importance  to  our 
churches  and  our  country ;  therefore, 

"Hesolved,  That  we  recommend  to  our  churches,  and  brethren,  that 
they  give  freely  of  their  funds  to  build  and  endow  denominational 
institutions  at  Chicago,  and  Alton,  and  that  as  far  as  possible,  they 
educate  their  children  in  these  institutions. 

"Mesolved,  That  we  earnestly  recommend  to  all  our  churches  the 
observance  of  the  last  Thursday  in  February,  as  a  day  of  fasting  and 
prayer  for  Colleges  and  Seminaries  of  learning. 

^'Resolved,  That  in  obedience  to  the  great  commission  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  to  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature,  we  recognize  it  as  the 
duty  of  the  churches  of  this  Association,  to  give  to  the  Baptist  General 
Association  of  Illinois,  their  cordial  and  increased  support,  both  in 
contributions  and  prayers. 

"Resolced,  That  whilst  we  labor  and  pray  for  the  upbuilding  of 
Zion's  walls  in  our  own  State,  we  at  the  same  time  acknowledge  it  to 
be  our  duty  to  help  in  giving  the  gospel  to  the  whole  world.  The 
American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society,  and  the  American  Baptist 
Missionary  Union — twin  sisters  in  the  glorious  work — are  entitled  to 
our  enlarged  contributions,  and  most  fervent  prayers. 

'■'■Resolved.,  That  the  Standard,  our  denominational  paper  in  the 
Northwest,  is  a  faithful  exponent  of  Baptist  principles,  calculated  to 
jjromote  our  denominational  strength,  and  should  receive  the  liberal 
support  of  Baptists.  We  also  recommend  to  our  brethren  the  Bap- 
tist Quarterly,  and  Macedonian  and  Record,  the  organs  of  our 
Missionary  Societies,  as  worthy  of  our  attention,  and  necessary  to  our 
intelligent  and  effectual  acUon  in  extending  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom. 

"Resolved,  That  we  regard  the  American  Baptist  Publication 
Society  upholding  and  disseminating,  through  its  tracts,  books,  and 
other  publications,  the  truth  which  as  a  denomination  we  support,  and 
denouncing  the  unscriptural  character  of  the  errors  which  we  oppose, 


Baptist  Association.  81 


as  an  agency  invaluable  to  us  in  our  efforts  to  uphold  the  piire  gospel, 
and  doing  that  for  us  which  no  other  Society  does,  or  wUl  do,  it  is 
entitled  to  our  prayers,  our  sympathies,  and  pecuniary  aid. " 

Rev,  Dr.  Read,  President  of  Shurtleff  College,  then 
presented  the  claims  of  Ministerial  Education,  and 
took  contrihutions  and  life  memberships,  amounting  to 
$281.40. 

The  Committee  on  Sabbath  Schools  made  the  following 
report,  which,  after  considerable  discussion,  was  adopted  : 

"1st.  That  the  Sabbath  School,  as  a  nursery  of  the  Christian 
Church,  is,  in  its  elements  and  principles,  based  on  the  word  of  God. 
Both  in  the  Old  Testament  and  in  the  New,  the  obligation  is  abund- 
antly inculcated  and  enjoined,  to  teach  our  children  the  truths  of 
inspiration,  and  the  principles  of  our  holy  religion  should  be  taught, 
line  upon  line,  in  the  family  circle. 

"2d.  That  the  Sabbath  School  should  not  be  allowed  to  supercede 
the  Christian  ministry,  neither  should  any  other  institution  or  service 
in  the  Church  of  Christ.  It  should  rather  be  regarded  as  an  outgrowth 
of  a  well  developed  and  well  regulated  Church,  and  encouraged  and 
sustained  in  its  legitimate  functions,  as  both  in  harmony  with  all  the 
essential  institutions  of  the  Church,  and  highly  conducive  to  her  best 
interests.     We,  therefore,  recommend  the  following  resolution : 

'■'■Resolved,  That  it  is  the  duty  of  all  our  churches,  as  far  as  possible, 
to  organize  and  sustain  Baptist  Sabbath  Schools,  in  which  the  whole 
Church,  with  its  Pastor,  should  put  forth  their  efforts  in  harmony 
with  the  Superintendent  and  Teachers,  to  inculcate  lessons  of  divine 
wisdom  in  the  minds  of  our  youth,  and  lead  them  to  the  Saviour. " 


82  Speingfield,  Illinois, 


CHAPTER  IV. 


1870 

THE  Association  met  with  the  Baptist  Church  at 
Pana,  Friday,  September  2d,  1870.  The  introductory 
sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Edward  Jones,  of  Taylor- 
ville,  from  2d  Cor.  ii,  16.  Eev.  S.  F.  Holt,  of  Decatur, 
was  chosen  Moderator;  Rev.  D.  F.  Carnahan,  Clerk,  and 
Deacon  George  Wood,  Treasurer. 

The  Baptist  Church  at  Assumption,  Christian  county, 
constituted  February  27th,  1870,  and  recognized  by  a 
Council,  August  27th,  1870,  was  received  as  a  member  of 
the  Association. 

There  were  one  hundred  and  fifty-five  baptisms  reported 
this  year,  and  the  total  membership  of  the  churches  of 
the  Association  was  nineteen  hundred  and  ninety-five. 

The  evening  was  given  to  the  subject  of  Sunday  Schools. 
The  following  topics  were  discussed,  the  discussion  being 
opened  by  the  foUowmg  brethren : 

I.  Scripture  Authority  for  Sunday  Schools — Rev.  S. 
Washington. 

II.  The  Primary  Object  of  Sunday  Schools — Rev.  E. 
Jones. 

III.  Sunday  School  Literature — Rev.  G.   J.  Johnson. 

IV.  Duties  of  Members  of  the  Church  to  Sunday 
Schools — Rev.  James  M.  Stiffler. 

V.  Preparation  of  Teachers  for  their  work — Bro.  Geo. 
W.  Ingalls. 


Baptist  Association.  83 


VI.  How  Children  can  be  detained  for  Church  ser- 
vices— Kev.  W.  H.  Stedman. 

The  Church  at  Mowequa,  having  completed  its  house 
of  worship,  at  a  cost  of  $5,500,  dedicated  it,  free  from 
debt,  on  the  17th  of  April,  1870. 


1871 

The  Association  met  with  the  Berlin  Baptist  Church, 
Friday,  September  1st,  1871.  After  devotional  services, 
conducted  by  Rev.  S.  Washington,  the  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  Rev.  D.  D.  Holmes,  from  the  3d  verse  of 
Jude.  Rev.  S.  Washington  was  chosen  Moderator ;  Rev. 
D.  F.  Carnahan,  Clerk,  and  Deacon  George  Wood, 
Treasurer. 

The  letters  from  the  churches  reported  an  aggregate 
membership  of  twenty-one  hundred  and  thirty-three,  and 
one  hundred  and  fifty-three  additions  by  baptism. 

Special  thanksgiving  was  made  for  the  blessings  enjoyed 
by  the  churches  the  past  year,  and  special  supplication 
for  blessings  the  coming  year. 

The  following  brethren  were  received  as  Representatives 
of  the  various  benevolent  objects  named : 

Rev.  W.  H.  Stiffler,  American  Baptist  Publication 
Society. 

Rev.'  C.  F.  Tolman,  American  Baptist  Missionary  Union. 

Rev.  I.  N.  Hobart,  American  Baptist  Horne  Mission 
Society,  and  Illinois  Baptist  General  Association. 

Rev.'  J.  Bulldey,  D.D.,  Shurtleff  College. 

The  Providence  Baptist  Church,  in  Sangamon  county, 
constituted  April  9th,  1870,  with  ten  members,  was 
received  as  a  member  of  the  Association. 

The  various  objects  of  Christian  benevolence,  were  pre- 
sented';' and  contributions  taken  in  their  behalf. 


84 


Springfield,  Illinois, 


The  Committee  on  Conference,  with  the  Committee 
from  the  Sunday  School  Convention,  reported,  recom- 
mending that  hereafter,  Saturday  afternoon  and  evening, 
be  devoted  to  the  consideration  of  the  Sunday  School 
work,  and  that  a  Children's  Meeting  be  held  Lord's  Day 
afternoon. 

The  Committee  on  Eesolutions  reported,  as  follows  : 

"Resolved,  That  we  commend  to  the  confidence  and  sup- 
port of  the  churches — 

"1st.  The  American  Baptist  Missionary  Union,  for  the 
promulgation  of  Christianity  in  foreign  lands. 

"2d.  The  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society, 
arid  the  General  Association  of  Illinois,  in  their  co-opera- 
tive work  for  the  Evangelization  of  our  own  State  and 
Country."     Adopted. 

_  After  the  lapse  of  thirty-five  years  since  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  Association,  of  the  twenty-four  churches  which 
constitute  its  membership,  only  six  have  had  preaching 
regularly  every  Sabbath  during  the  past  year.  Six  have 
had  services  twice,  and  others  only  once  a  month.  With 
most  of  the  churches  these  years  have  been  years  of 
struggle  for  a  larger  growth,  and  a  better  life,  and  still 
there  is  much  to  be  attained  in  perfecting  them  into  the 
fullness  of  the  divine  pattern.  In  several  of  them  the 
gracious  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit  were  enjoyed  the 
past  year,  and  revivals  encouraged  the  hearts  of  the 
faithful. 


ASSOCIATION  MINISTERIAL  LIST,  1871. 


Bower,  Jacob,  Decatur. 
Bennett,  Perry,  Springfield. 
Brown,  E.  M.,  Forsythe. 
Carnahan,  D.  F.,  Springfield. 
Coon,  R.  R.,  Pana. 
Davenport,  M.,  Jacksonville. 
Gross,  Alba.  Chatham. 
Holt,  S.  F.,  Decatur. 
Hoi-MES,  D.  D.,  Jacksonville. 
INGMIRE,  F.  W.,  Springfield. 
Kennedy,  J.  C,  Berlin, 


Klein,  Peter,  Springfield. 
Kino,  David,  New  Berlin. 
Kitzmiller,  M.  v.,  Girard. 
Pease,  Geo.  A.,  Stonington. 
Pierce,  Nehemiah,  Springfield. 
Pray,  Paris,  Taylorville. 
Stephens,  Geo.  W.,  Loami. 
Stifpler,  Wm.  H.,  Paua. 
Washington,  S.,  Jacksonville. 
Walker,  Edwin  S.,  Springfield. 


Tv^"^ 


Baptist  Association.  85 


1872 

The  Springfield  Baptist  Association  commenced  its 
Thirty-fifth  Annual  Session  with  the  Taylorville  Baptist 
Church,  August  30th,  1872,  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Eev.  J.  C. 
Kennedy,  from  Isaiah  xhx,  8;  after  which  Eev,  S.  Wash- 
ington 'was  chosen  Moderator ;  Eev.  F.  W.  Ingmire, 
Clerk,  and  Deacon  George  Wood,  Treasurer.  The  First 
Bethel  Baptist  Church  was  received  as  a  member  of  the 
Association.  The  past  year  was  characterized  by  no 
special  manifestation  of  vigor  or  growth  in  any  of  the 
churches,  the  total  number  of  members  reported  being 
eigtheen  hundred  and  fifty-nine,  and  the  baptisms,  forty- 
one.  The  Diamond  Grove  Church  reported  the  erection 
of  a  new  house  of  w^orship,  at  a  cost  of  |2,000,  and  the 
ShelbyviUe  Church,  the  completion  of  its  church  edifice 
and  parsonage,  at  a  cost  of  over  $10,000.  The  latter 
church,  however,  was  left  with  an  embarrassing  debt  to 
relieve  itself  of,  which  it  asked  assistance.  The  reports 
from  Sunday  Schools  this  year,  showed  a  growing  interest 
in  that  important  branch  in  Christian  instruction.  Here- 
tofore but  partial  statistics  have  been  given,  butthe  tables 
show  nine  hundred  and  thirty-two  scholar  and  eighty-nine 
teachers,  as  the  aggregate  number  connected  with  the 
schools  of  the  Association. 

The  Committee  on  Eesolutions  reported,  recommend- 
ing to  the  Churches  and  Pastors  —  the  plan  of  making  a 
contribution  each  year  to  Home  and  Foreign  Missions, 
the  Bible  and  Publication  Society  and  Ministerial  Educa- 
tion, and  that  a  committee  be  appointed  in  each  church 
to  aid  in  securing  funds,  each  of  the  objects  named  to 
have  accorded  to  it  one  quarter  of  the  year — the  collec- 
tions to  be  made  in  the  following  order :  First  Quarter — 
Foreign  Missions.  Second  Quarter— Baptist  Publication 
Society.  Third  Quarter— Ministerial  Education.  Fourth 
Quarter — ^Home  Missions. 

"Eesolved,  That  we  are  in  deep  sympathy  with  the  ShelbyviUe  Bap- 
tist Church  in  it-  effort-!  to  pay  off  the  indebtedness  now  pressing  so 
heavily  upon  it,  and  that  we  commend  to  oixr  churches  the  Pastor,  Rev. 
J  H.  Phillips,  who  is  duly  appointed  to  solicit  funds  for  the  church." 

The  Eeport  and  Eesolution  were  unanimously  adopted. 


86  Spkingfield,  Illinois, 


1873 

The  Association  met  September  5th,  1873,  with  the 
Mowequa  Baptist  Church.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  Rev.  S.  Washington,  from  Psahns  Ixxii, 
15,  after  which  Rev.  S.  Washington  was  chosen  Mode- 
rator; Rev.  F,  W.  Ingmire,  Clerk,  and  Deacon  George 
Wood,  Treasurer.  There  were  nineteen  hundred  and  fifty- 
three  members  reported  by  the  churches,  and  one  hundred 
and  thirty-nine  additions  by  baptism  the  past  year. 

The  committee  on  a  Missionary  Committee  for  the 
Association  reported,  and  report  accepted : 

"Whereas,  There  are  a  number  of  feeble  churches  in  this  Associ- 
ation without  pastors,  and  also  other  places  of  interest,  which  ought 
to  be  occupied  by  us ;  therefore, 

"We  recommend  the  appointment  of  a  Missionary  Committee, 
consisting  of  three,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  look  after  the  feeble 
churches  and  seek  to  have  new  fields  occupied,  and  if  possible,  to 
obtain  a  missionary  to  labor  in  the  bounds  of  this  Association. " 

The  folloAving  from  the  letters  from  the  churches  are 
the  only  matters  of  special  note  : 

"Springfield,  First. — Regrets  that  it  can  not  report  more  favor- 
ably, but  records  with  devout  gratitude  the  mercies  of  God.  Speaks 
of  more  unity  of  feeling,  and  increased  desire  for  the  prosperity  of 
the  church.  The  church  mourns,  for  the  first  time  in  its  history,  the 
loss  of  a  beloved  pastor  by  death.  Rev.  Nehemiah  Pierce,  who  died 
in  March  last. 

"Springfield,  North. — During  the  last  nine  months  the  church 
has  been  acceptably  supplied  with  preaching  by  Rev.  Perry  Bennett, 
whose  death  occurred  on  the  night  of  September  5,  1878,  while  the 
Association  was  in  session. 

"Jacksonville. — The  year  has  been  crowned  with  the  goodness 
and  mercy  of  God.  Rev.  S.  Washington  labors  in  word  and  doctrine, 
and  the  labors  of  pastor  and  people  have  been  blessed  by  a  number 
being  added  to  the  church,  principally  young  persons  from  the  Sab- 
bath School." 


Baptist  Association.  87 


1874 

The  Springfield  Baptist  Association  began  its  Thirty- 
Seventh  Annual  Session  with  the  Waverly  Church,  Sep- 
tember 4th,  1874,  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.  The  introductory 
sermon  was  preached  by  Eev.  M.  H.  Worrall,  from  Isaiah 
lii,  1 ;  after  which  Eev.  S.  Washington  was  chosen  Mode- 
rator; Eev.  F.  W.  Ingmire,  Clerk,  and  Grover  Ayers, 
Treasurer. 

The  letters  from  the  churches  show  a  good  degree  of 
progress  this  year,  several  of  them  having  enjoyed  gra- 
cious revivals,  resulting  in  the  addition  of  one  hundred 
and  seventy-four  members  by  baptism,  making  a  total 
membership  of  nineteen  hundred  and  ninety-four : 

"The  Centerville  Church  in  Morgan  county,  disbanded  May  9th,  1874. 
On  April  11th  the  church  voted  to  give  Walker  Thorndike  a  quit-claim 
deed  to  the  meeting-house  and  the  ground,  except  four  rods  square 
now  occupied  by  graves.  In  consideration  for  the  same,  said  Walker 
Thorndike  agrees  to  keep  said  four  rods  perpetually  fenced  with  a 
good  and  substantial  fence ;  the  friends  of  those  buried  there  to  oc- 
cupy the  grounds  as  long  as  desired.  Voted,  also,  to  deposit  the  rec- 
ords with  the  Jacksonville  Church,  with  which  most  of  the  members 
united. 

"Decatxir — Reports  steady  progress  and  much  encouragement. 
The  Sabbath  School  is  well  regulated  and  prosperous,  and  the  prayer 
meetings  interesting  and  largely  attended.  The  church  building  is 
too  small,  and  the  church  has  purchased  a  more  eligible  lot,  and  ob- 
tained plans  and  specifications  for  a  new  house  of  worship. 

"Friendship — Rejoices  in  the  continued  care  of  the  great  head  of 
the  church,  is  making  progress  in  the  erection  of  a  meeting-house 
thirty-two  by  forty-six  feet.  It  is  the  stated  purpose  of  the  church 
to  complete  and  dedicate  this  fall.  It  mourns  the  loss  of  that  vener- 
able Father  in  Israel,  Rev.  Jacob  Bower,  who  departed  this  life  April 
26,  1874,  aged  eighty-seven  years." 


88  Springfield,  Illinois, 


The  Committee  on  Eesolutions  reported  the  following, 
which  was  adopted : 

"Whereas,  Co-operation  between  the  General  Associa- 
tion, and  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society, 
will  cease  October  1st,  and  thenceforward  all  of  the 
responsibility  of  cultivating  the  fields  in  the  State  and 
paying  the  small  allowance  of  the  Missionaries,  will  fall 
upon  the  General  Association — 

"Resolved,  That  we  recommend  to  oiu'  churches  an 
earnest  endeavor  during  the  coming  year,  to  increase  the 
amount  of  then  contributions  to  the  treasury  of  the  Gen- 
eral Association. 

"Resolved,  That  we  have  heard,  with  satisfaction,  of  the 
organization  of  the  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society, 
in  co-operation  with  the  Missionary  Union,  and  rejoice  in 
the  increasing  interest  thereby  created  in  the  Foreigii 
Mission  work,  and  we  urge  the  organization  of  a  Woman's 
Missionary  Circle  in  each  one  of  our  churches. 

"Resolved,  That  we  express  our  hearifelt  gratitiide  to 
Almighty  God  for  the  evident  guidance  of  His  spirit  in 
the  Woman's  Temperance  Movement  in  our  country,  and 
while  praying  for  its  success,  we  believe  it  is  time  for 
every  member  of  every  church,  to  teach  and  practice 
Temperance  in  the  family,  in  the  Sunday  School,  in  the 
church,  and  in  society  everywhere. 

"Resolved,  That  we  heartily  approve  of  the  effort  of  the 
Baptist  Educational  Commission  of  the  United  States,  to 
make  the  occasion  of  the  National  Centennial,  the  oppor- 
tunity for  an  organized  effort  on  the  part  of  the  Baptist 
denomination  to  raise  a  fund  which  shall  be  honorable  to 
our  great  denominational  strength,  and  which  shall  estab- 
lish the  higher  schools  of  our  denomhiation  in  the  United 
States  upon  a  sure  and  firm  basis.  We  bid  them  God 
speed  in  their  work,  and  urge  upon  the  churches  the  duty 
ot  contributing  largely  to  this  grand  enterprise." 


Baptist  Association.  89 


1875       - 

The  Association  met  with  the  Mount  Zion  Church  Sep- 
tember 3d,  1875.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
by  Eev.  C.  W.  Clark,  from  Dent,  xxx,  11-13,  after  which 
Eev.  C.  W.  Clark  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Eev.  F.  W. 
'Ingmire,  Clerk.  The  letters  from  the  churches  show 
steady  progress  and  growth,  one  hundred  and  seventy-six 
members  ha^dng  been  received  by  baptism  during  the 
year.  The  membership  reported  was  the  same  as  the 
previous  year,  viz. :  nineteen  hundi'ed  and  nmety-four. 
The  foUowing,  relating  to  several  of  the  churches,  is  of 
special  interest : 

"Taylorville. — Reports  herself  sorry  to  say  the  Church  has  made 
little  progress.  Have  now  the  pastoral  labors  of  D.  W.  Morgan,  and 
endeavoring  to  build  a  house  in  which  to  worship  God,  at  an  approxi- 
mate cost  of  §7,000,  a  good  portion  of  which  has  been  pledged. 

"Waverly. — Reports  a  year  of  God's  goodness  to  the  church.  A 
series  of  meetings  were  held,  and  a  large  number  were  added  to  the 
church.  The  church  feels  the  importance  of  occupying  higher  ground, 
that  their  views  of  christian  work  and  mission  of  Christ's  church  may 
be  enlarged,  in  order  to  be  abreast  of  the  times.  The  church  school 
is  now  more  prosperous  than  formerly. 

"Providence. — This  church  has  consolidated  with  the  Waveriy 
church. 

"  Shelby viLLE. — Speaks  of  general  prosperity  and  gaining  strength ; 
was  ovem-helmed  at  tiie  beginning  of  the  year  with  a  'neavy  debt,  but 
found  'in  union  there  was  strength,'  and  the  brethren  went  to  work, 
made  personal  sacrifices,  and  thereby  the  church  is  practically  free 
and  clear  of  debt.  Speaks  highly  of  Pastor  Seward,  and  also  of  the 
officers  and  members  of  the  church  school. 

"Oreana. — The  Friendship  Church  has  changed  its  name,  and  built 
a  house  of  worship  at  a  cost  of  $3,100,  at  Oreana,  on  the  Champaign, 
Monticello  &  Decatur  R.  R. ,  eight  miles  from  the  latter  point,  and 
invites  the  Association  to  hold  its  next  session  with  their  church. 
Rev.  R.  R.  Coon  preaches  for  the  church  one-half  the  time.  Sustains 
church  school,  and  looks  and  hopes  for  continued  prosperity.  The 
church  needs  strengthening,  in  gifts  and  graces. " 

The  Committee  on  Eesolutions  presented  the  follo^\ing : 

"Whereas,  The  Centenary  of  this  gi-eat  nation  occurs 
before  our  next  anniversary;  and  whereas,  our  denom- 
ination has  been  blessed   with  unexampled    prosperity 

—7 


90  SPKmGFiELD,  Illinois, 


during  this  centennial  period,  moving  along  gloriously  in 
harmony  with  those  great  principles  of  freedom  on  which 
the  Eepublic  is  based ;  therefore, 

"Resolved,  That  all  our  people,  both  churches  and  indi- 
viduals, be  earnestly  requested  to  bring  j^t'incely  gifts,  and 
lay  them  on  the  altar  of  God,  for  the  purpose  of  remov- 
ing all  those  obligations  and  liabilities  which  retard  the 
progress  of  our  institutions  of  learning,  and  place  those 
institutions  in  conditions  favorable  to  their  greatest  effi- 
ciency and  usefulness."    Adopted. 


1876 

The  Association  met  with  the  Oreana  Baptist  Church 
on  the  first  day  of  September,  1876.  The  introductory 
sermon  was  preached  by  Eev.  C.  W.  Clark,  from  Psalm 
118,  25,  after  which  Eev.  C.  W.  Clark  was  chosen  Mode- 
rator, and  Eev.  F.  W  Ingmire,  Clerk. 

On  motion,  time  was  granted  to  Bro.  G.  J.  Johnson  for 
an  address  on  the  Centennial  Work  of  the  Denomination. 

The  Committee  on  Eesolutions  reported : 

"Whereas,  The  labors  of  the  General  Agents,  Eev.  G. 
J.  Johnson,  D.D.,  and  Eev.  T.  W.  Goodspeed,  are  being 
efficiently  and  successfully  performed ; 

"Resolved,  That  Shurtleff  College,  in  aU  its  depart- 
ments ;  the  Baptist  Union  Theological  Seminary,  at  Chi- 
cago, and  Almira  Female  College,  at  Greenville,  are 
pre-eminently  worthy  of  our  unwavering  confidence  and 
continued  support. 

"Resolved,  That  the  wonderful  ministerial  destitution 
in  our  State,  the  large  number  of  feeble  churches,  the 


Baptist  Association.  91 


smallness  of  the  number  of  young  men  entering  the  gos- 
pel ministry,  imperatively  demand  that  we  heed  the 
Savior's  injunction  to  pray  the  Lord  of  the  Harvest  to 
'send  more  laborers  into  the  harvest,'  and  that  we  pledge 
our  ministerial  students  our  support,  our  cordial  sympa- 
thies, and  our  earnest  prayers." 

There  was  a  good  degree  of  spiritual  life  in  several  of 
the  churches  this  year,  the  aggregate  of  baptisms  being 
one  hundred  and  thnty-five  ;  the  total  membership  of  the 
churches  was  seventeen  hundred  and  sixty-two. 

The  following  items  show  the  progress  of  the  churches 
named : 

"Springfield,  North. — Has  enjoyed  some  measure  of  refreshing 
and  success.  The  Baptismal  Waters  have  been  visited,  and  backslid- 
ers have  been  reclaimed.  Sister  Elma  Hay,  one  of  the  bright  and 
shining  lights  of  the  church  has  deceased,  and  the  church  feels  the 
loss  of  one  of  its  most  consistent  and  useful  members.  The  church 
school  has  been  prosperous,  and  the  prayer  meeting  well  sastained. 
Speaks  approvingly  of  the  faithful  labors  of  Pastor  C.  W.  Clark. 

"Stontngton. — Reports  itself  as  now  destitute  of  a  pastor,  and 
sustaining  the  benevolent  enterprises  of  the  denomination.  Have 
built  a  parsonage  costing  $1,000  during  the  year. 

"Taylorville. — Speak  of  having  a  varied  experience  in  connec- 
tion with  building  a  new  house  of  worship,  which  is  not  wholly  com- 
pleted. Rev.  D.  W.  Morgan  was  pastor  during  the  past  year,  under 
whose  labors  new  converts  were  added.  But  owing  to  circumstances 
which  usually  arise  in  connection  with  building  and  locating  new 
houses  of  worship,  he  has  thought  it  to  be  his  duty  to  resign.  School 
is  prosperous. 

"Decatur. — The  great  decrease  in  the  membership  was  caused  by 
the  removal  of  the  Rolling  Mill  to  Kansas  City.  Has  finished  and 
furnished  a  Chapel  commenced  April,  1875,  and  dedicated  April  23, 
1876,  costing  about  $12,000;  Bro.  G.  J.  Johnson  preaching  the  sermon. 
Out  of  debt,  sustains  good  Church  Schools,  and  Pastor  W.  G.  Inman 
labors  in  harmony  and  peace. " 


92  Springfield,  Illinois, 


1877 

The  Fortieth  Annual  Meetmg  of  the  Association  was 
held  with  the  Shelbyville  Baptist  Church,  commencing 
August  31,  1877.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
by  Eev.  Alba  Gross,  from  John  ii,  25-26.  Eev.  C.  W. 
Clark  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Eev.  G.  W.  Inman, 
Clerk.  The  Calvary  Baptist  Church  of  Mattoon  was  re- 
ceived as  a  member  of  the  Association.  Total  number  of 
baptisms  for  the  year,  one  hundred  and  six.  The  mem- 
bership of  the  Association  was  two  thousand  and  forty- 
four.  Liberal  contributions  were  made  durmg  the  session 
as  follows:  For  Home  Missions,  $100;  for  Shurtleff 
College,  $260. 

The  Committee  on  Eesolutions  presented  the  followmg, 
which  were  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  the  American  Baptist  Missionary 
Union,  the  American  Baptist  Publication  Society,  the 
work  of  Home  Missions, — as  carried  on  by  the  Ameri- 
can Baptist  Home  Mission  Society,— and  the  Baptist 
General  Association  of  the  State,  and  the  cause  of  Min- 
isterial Education,  merit  our  cordial  sympathy,  and 
earnest,  hberal  support. 

"Resolved,  That  we  recommend  to  the  churches  of  this 
Association,  the  adoption  of  a  system  of  benevolence,  by 
which,  in  each  three  months,  they  shall  contribute  to 
some  one  of  the  above  objects. 

"Resolved,  That  the  work  of  Christian  women  in  the 
cause  of  Home  Missions  among  the  freed  people  of  the 
South,  the  Indians,  Chinese  and  other  nationalities,  is  of 
vital  importance,  and  that  we  therefore  cordially  approve 
the  organization  of  the  Women's  Baptist  Home  Mission 
Society,  as  pecuharly  adapted  to  this  work,  and  commend 
it  to  the  sympathy  and  co-operation  of  the  churches." 

The  Committee  on  History  of  the  Springfield  Baptist 
Association,  made  the  following  report : 

Your  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  subject  of  the  History 
of  the  Springfield  Baptist  Association,  k  eg  leave  to  report  that  the 


Baptist  Association.  93 


committee  appointed  last  year  to  write  the  history  of  this  Association, 
failed  to  do  so.  We  therefore  recommend  that  Rev.  C.  W.  Clark  and 
Josiah  Francis  be  appointed  a  Committee  to  secure  a  complete  file  of 
the  minutes  of  this  body  from  its  constitution,  and  any  other  facts 
relating  to  the  history  of  this  Association,  and  to  preserve  the  same, 
to  be  collected  into  a  history,  at  as  early  a  day  as  practicable. 

J.  H.  Phillips,  Chairman. 


1878 

The  Association  met  with  the  Church  in  Jacksonville, 
August  30, 1878.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
by  Eev.  Simeon  Hussey,  of  Paua,  from  Hebrews  iv,  15- 
16;  after  which  Rev.  C.  W.  Claek  was  chosen  Mode- 
rator; Eev.  G.  W.  Inman,  Clerk,  and  J.  0.  Eames, 
Treasurer,  The  Zion  colored.  Baptist  Church,  and  the 
Second  Bethel,  Baptist  Church,  were  received  as  mem- 
bers of  the  Association.  There  were  one  hundred  and 
seventeen  baptisms  reported  by  the  different  churches  of 
the  Association,  and  the  total  memberships  was  twenty- 
two  hundred  and  twenty. 

The  Committee  on  Resolutions  presented  the  following, 
which  was  adopted : 

''Resolved,  That  we  sympathize  with  the  work  of  the 
Woman's  Baptist  Missionary  Society  of  the  West,  and 
recommend  the  formation  of  Woman's  Missions  for  this 
Association. 

"Resolved,  That  the  American  Baptist  Publication  So- 
ciety, both  in  the  importance  of  its  relation  to  our 
denominational  integrity  and  the  grand  results  of  its 
missionary  work  for  the  past  fifty-six  years,  demands  of 
us  increased  contributions,  and  more  earnest  efforts  to 
enlarge  the  circulation  of  its  publications. 

''Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  urgent  need  of  funds 
to  meet  the  requirements  of  our  State  Mission  work, 
under  control  of  the  General  Association,  we  recommend 


94  Springfield,  Illinois, 


that  each  church  take  a  collection  for  this  cause,  which 
especially  commends  itself  to  the  churches  of  our  State. 

"Resolved,  That  we  rejoice  in  the  prosperity  which 
has  attended  the  work  of  the  American  Baptist  Home 
Mission  Society  in  the  West  and  among  our  Foreign 
population,  Freedmen  and  Chinese,  and  gratefully  re- 
membering the  generous  aid  extended  by  the  Society  to 
this  region  for  forty  years,  we  recommend  it  to  the 
prayers  and  liberality  of  our  churches,  urging  that  each 
pastor  preach  a  sermon,  and  each  chmxh  make  a  contri- 
bution, annually,  for  its  support." 

Eev._  J.  H.  Phillips  read  the  report  of  the  Executive 
Committee,  and  after  discussion  the  report  was  adopted. 

"Your  Committee  respectfully  report  that  in  accordance 
with  instructions  given  at  the  last  session  of  Springfield 
Association,  we  engaged  Eev.  W.  J.  Chapin  as  mission- 
ary to  labor  in  the  north-western  part  of  the  Association. 
For  the  nine  months  of  service  to  September  7th,  our 
missionary  reports  :  Sermons  preached,  107  ;  Temperance 
Lectures,  8;  Pastoral  Visits,  250;  Prayer  and  other 
religious  meetings  held,  34 ;  miles  travelled,  525  ;  amount 
received  on  Salary  from  churches  not  on  the  field  of 
labor,  $33.81. 

"Brother  Chapin  has  labored  under  great  disadvantage 
arising  from  rain,  bad  roads,  and  the  slowness  of  the 
churches  to  respond  to  the  call  for  salary ;  and  yet  the 
attendance  on  religious  services  has  been  good. 

"The  Church  at  Chatham  has  been  greatly  blessed  in 
the  payment  of  $225.89  of  its  debt  of  $290.89,  and  the 
repairing  of  the  house  of  worship  at  a  cost  of  $257.82,  all 
of  which  has  been  paid  except  $30.18. 

"We  have  great  occasion  to  thank  God  for  the  success 
attending  our  brother,  and  the  churches  under  his  care, 
and  believe  we  should  continue  our  aid  to  him  and  his  field. 

John  H.  Phillips,  Secretary." 


Baptist  Association.  95 


1879 

The  Springfield  Baptist  Association  convened  with  the 
Central  Baptist  Church  in  Springfield,  September  5th, 
1879,  at  10  o'clock,  a.  m.  In  the  absence  of  the  former 
Moderator,  Kev.  J.  H.  Phillips,  of  Shelbyville,  called  the 
meeting  to  order,  and  Eev.  E.  S.  Walker,  of  Springfield, 
was  chosen  temporary  Chairman,  and  Rev,  J.  H.  Phillips, 
Clerk,  jJ'To  tern.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
by  Rev.  J.  H.  Philhps,  from  Rom.  xiv,  5,  6. 

The  letters  from  the  churches  report  a  total  member- 
ship of  twenty-two  hundred  and  eighty,  of  which  number, 
ninety. eight  were  added  by  baptism  during  the  year. 

The  letter  of  the  Central  Baptist  Church  of  Springfield, 
was  then  read,  giving  a  full  history  of  the  consolidation  of 
the  First,  and  the  North  Baptist  Churches,  and  welcom- 
ing the  delegates  and  visitors  to  the  hospitality  of  the 
city  during  the  sessions  of  the  body. 

Following  the  reading  of  this  letter,  Rev.  J.  H.  Phillips 
offered  the  following  resolutions,  which  were  adopted : 

''Resolved,  That  this  Association,  with  pleasure,  recog- 
nize the  Central  Baptist  Church  of  Springfield,  as  the 
embodiment  and  acknowledged  successor  of  the  First 
Baptist  Church,  and  the  North  Baptist  Church  of  said  city. 

''Resolved,  That  this  Association  congratulates  the  Bap- 
tists of  Springfield,  upon  the  occasion  of  a  movement, 
which,  by  the  unifying  and  consolidation  of  denomi- 
national strength  in  this  city,  gives  promise  of  renewed 
vigor  and  increased  power  to  upbuild  the  Redeemer's 
Kingdom." 

At  the  afternoon  session.  Rev.  Alba  Gross  asked  per- 
mission to  read  a  letter  purporting  to  be  from  the  North 
Baptist  Church  of  Springfield.  The  Moderator  decided 
the  request  could  not  be  granted,  inasmuch  as  it  appeared 
of  record  that  the  North  Baptist  Church,  and  the  First 
Baptist  Church  of  Springfield,  had  been  consolidated 
under  the  name  of  the  Central  Baptist  Church,  and  hence 
the  North  Baptist  Church  was  no  longer  known  to  the 
Association. 


96  SpeIngfield,  Illinois, 


Kev.  Mr.  Gross  appealed  from  the  decision  of  the  Mod- 
erator, and  pending  this  appeal,  a  motion  was  made  and 
carried,  to  reconsider  the  resolutions  previously  passed 
relating  to  the  consolidation  of  the  First  and  North  Bap- 
tist Churches, 

After  a  brief  debate  the  whole  matter  was  laid  upon  the 
table  until  after  the  permanent  organization  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. 

Rev.  J.  H.  Phillips  was  chosen  Moderator;  Eev.  M. 
T.  Lamb,  Clerk,  and  J.  0.  Rames,  Treasurer. 

The  resolutions  previously  laid  upon  the  table,  were 
then,  upon  motion,  taken  up,  and  the  question  pending, 
being  a  reference  to  a  Special  Committee,  was,  after  dis- 
cussion, lost  by  a  rising  vote. 

On  motion  of  Eev.  E.  S.  Walker,  the  resolutions  were 
then  taken  up,  one  by  one,  and  the  first  and  second 
adopted  without  opposition.  The  third  was  amended  by 
striking  out  the  word  "discountenances,"  and  then  adopted, 
after  a  somewhat  lengthy  debate,  participated  in  by 
Bros.  Young,  Paine,  Gross,  Walker,  Lamb,  Hobart,  and 
others. 

evening  session. 

The  Executive  Committee  reported,  through  their  Sec- 
retary, as  follows : 

"Your  Committee  respectfully  report  their  work,  and 
the  work  of  your  Missionary,  for  the  year  ending 
September  7th,  1879.  Soon  after  the  meeting  of  the 
Association,  at  Jacksonville,  September,  1878,  your  Com- 
mittee met  in  Springfield,  Hon.  John  Foutch  in  the  chair. 
After  due  consideration,  Rev.  W.  J.  Chapin  was  appointed 
Missionary  at  Chatham,  at  a  salary  of  $200  per  year,  and 
Rev.  T.  S.  Dodge  was  appointed  Missionary,  for  ten 
months,  at  Mattoon,  at  a  salary  of  $400  per  year.  Rev. 
W.  J.  Chapin  reports  sermons  preached,  sixty-eight; 
visits  made,  one  hundred  and  eighty-four;  prayer  and 
other  religious  meetings  held,  sixty ;  money  received  on 
salary,  from  the  field  and  otherwise,  $76.  A  new  Sunday 
School  has  been  organized;    the   church  services  well 


Baptist  Association.  97 


attended,  and  improvement  has  marked  the  progress  of 
the  cause  on  his  field  of  labor.  No  report  of  the  labors  of 
Eev.  T.  S.  Dodge,  at  Mattoon,  has  been  received." 

Eev.  W.  J.  Chapin  was  continued  in  service  as  Mis- 
sionary of  the  Association  for  the  ensuing  year,  preaching 
at  Chatham  one-half  the  time. 

The  Committee  on  Eesolutions  presented  the  following : 

"Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  urgent  need  of  funds  to 
meet  the  requirements  of  our  State  Mission  work,  under 
the  control  of  the  General  Association,  we  recommend 
that  each  church  take  up  a  collection  for  this  cause,  which 
especially  commends  itself  to  the  churches  of  our  State." 

The  following  from  the  letter  of  the  Central  Church, 
Springfield,  speaks  for  itself : 

"Preliminary  steps  looking  to  the  union  of  the  First  and 
North  Baptist  Churches,  were  been  taken  April  last ;  and 
after  full  and  mature  consultation  and  consideration,  by 
both  churches,  and  with  substantial  unanimity,  the  pro- 
posed union  was  perfected,  and  all  necessary  legal  meas- 
ures preliminary  to  the  new  organization  carried  out  on 
the  13th  day  of  June  last,  thus  constituting  the  Central 
Baptist  Church  of  Springfield.  Extend  a  hearty  welcome 
to  the  Association,  under  circumstances  that  promise 
more  vigorous  life,  more  successful  work  and  more  blessed 
results  than  have  hitherto  marked  our  history." 


1880 

The  Springfield  Baptist  Association  convened  in  its 
forty-third  session  with  the  Baptist  Church  in  Old  Stoning- 
ton.  Christian  county,  on  Friday,  September  3d,  at  ten 
o'clock,  A.  M.  After  One-half  hour  of  pleasant  devotional 
exercises,  the  opening  sermon  was  preached  by  Eev.  W. 
H.  Batson,  of  Decatur.     Text — Acts  17,6:  "These  that 


98  Speingfield,  Illinois, 


have  turned  the  world  upside  down  have  come  hither 
also."  Eev.  C.  W.  Clark  was  chosen  Moderator;  Kev. 
M.  T.  Lamb,  Clerk,  and  J.  0.  Rames,  Treasurer. 

The  letters  from  the  churches  were  read,  showing  an 
aggregate  membership  of  two  thousand  and  eighty-eight, 
of  which  number,  sixty  were  received  by  baptism  during 
the  year.  Of  the  twenty-two  churches  which  now  consti- 
tute the  Association,  nineteen  reported  by  letter  and  mes- 
sengers, and  of  these  sixteen  were  supplied  with  Pastors. 
Eiglit  churches  had  preaching  every  Sabbath ;  seven  were 
supplied  twice  a  month,  and  one  once  a  month.  With 
the  growth  and  development  of  the  country,  and  our 
general  denominational  progress,  the  old  idea  of  preach- 
ing "once  a  month"  has  happily  passed  away.  Through 
all  these  forty-three  years  of  upward  striving,  it  is  not 
difficult  to  mark  the  progress,  from  year  to  year,  towards 
better  methods  of  Christian  work,  and  a  higher  type  of 
enlarged  Christian  benevolence. 

Bro.  Josiah  Francis  reported  for  the  Committee  on  the 
History  of  the  Association,  that  he  had  secured  a  com- 
plete file  of  the  minutes  of  the  first  five  years  of  the  Asso- 
ciation's existence,  and  with  the  exception  of  four  or  five, 
a  complete  file  to  the  present  time,  whereupon  Eev.  E.  S. 
Walker,  of  Springfield,  was  appointed  Historian  of  the 
Association,  with  authority  to  prepare  a  full  History  of 
the  Association  from  its  origin  to  the  present  time,  and 
publish  five  hundred  copies  of  the  same,  at  the  expense 
of  the  Association. 

The  Executive  Board,  by  its  Secretary,  Rev.  J.  H.  Phil- 
lips, reported  as  follows : 

"Your  Committee  would  respectfully  report,  that  Eev. 
W.  J.  Chapin,  our  Missionary,  has,  according  to  appoint- 
ment of  this  Committee,  and  of  the  State  Mission  Board, 
continued  his  regular  labors  at  Chatham,  and  also  at 
Auburn,  on  the  Chicago  &  Alton  Railroad,  and  the  sur- 
rounding country.  An  abstract  of  his  report  is  herewith 
presented:  Sermons  preached,  79;  prayer  meetings 
attended,  36 ;  pastoral  and  missionary  visits,  187 ; 
received  on  salary,  $120.  Has  baptized  16  at  Auburn, 
one-half  his  time  having  been  spent  on  that  field." 


Baptist  Association.  99 


Rev.  E.  S.  Walker  offered  the  following  preamble  and 
resolutions,  which  were  unanimously  adopted : 

"Whereas,  Thomas  Strawbridge,  late  of  Sangamon  county, 
deceased,  by  his  last  will  and  testament,  dated  June  30th,  1875, 
among  other  liberal  bequests,  made  the  following,  to- wit : 

'I  hereby  give  and  bequeath  to  the  Baptist  Association,  with  which 
the  First  (now  Central)  Baptist  Church  of  Springfield,  Illinois,  is  con- 
nected, the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars,  on  the  express  condition  that 
this  sum  is  to  be  held  in  trust  by  said  church  (Association)  for  the 
purpose  named  hereafter.' 

'■^Resolved,  That  this  Association  hereby  gratefully  accepts  said 
bequest,  and  in  order  to  conform  to  the  conditions  thereof,  authorizes 
the  following  members,  viz:  Edwin  S.  Walker,  Josiah  Francis,  John 
O.  Rames,  Edward  S.  Graham,  and  Lafayette  Smith,  representing  the 
Association,  to  take  the  necessary  steps  to  incorporate  the  same,  and 
to  procure  from  the  Secretary  of  State  the  proper  certificate  of  organi- 
zation, under  the  name  of  the  'Spiingfield  Baptist  Association.' 

'■'■Resolved,  That  the  Pastor  of  the  Central  Baptist  Church  of  SprLag- 
field,  be  and  is  hereby  appointed,  to  preach  the  Annual  Sermon,  pro- 
vided for  in  the  Strawbridge  bequest,  for  the  year  1881,  or  the  first 
year  after  said  bequest  shall  become  available  to  the  Association." 

Eev.  E.  S.  Walker  gave  notice  that  he  would,  at  the 
next  annual  meeting  of  the  Association,  propose  the  fol- 
lowing amendments  to  the  Constitution,  viz : 

"Amend  Article  I,  by  adding  as  follows:  'The  object  of  this  Asso- 
ciation is  to  promote  the  cause  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  at  home  and 
abroad,  and  by  correspondence  and  co-operation  with  other  Associa- 
tions and  missionary  organizations  connected  wath  the  Baptist  denomi- 
nation, strive  to  upbuild  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom  among  men.' 

"Amend  Article  IV,  by  adding  as  foUows:  'Three  Trustees  shall 
be  chosen  annually,  by  ballot,  who  shall  manage,  control,  and  hold  in 
trust,  all  such  funds  as  may  have  been,  or  may  hereafter  be, 
bequeathed  to  the  'Springfield  Baptist  Association,'  according  to  the 
provisions  of  such  bequests. 

"Amend  Article  V,  by  inserting  after  the  words  this  body,'  the 
words  "or  the  Trustees  thereof.'  " 

The  Committee  on  Eesolutions  repoi'ted  as  follows : 

"Whereas,  So  many  of  those  added  to  our  churches 
come  through  the  Sunday  School ;  and  we  are  now  giving 
so  little  prominence  to  the  Sunday  School  work  in  our 
annual  gatherings — 


100  Speingfield,  Illinois, 


"Resohed,  That  we  hold,  m  connection  with  our  next 
Anniversary  Meeting,  a  Sunday  School  Convention,  to 
commence  at  2  o'clock  on  the  day  preceding  the  opening 
of  the  Association. 

"Resolved,  That  a  Committee  of  three  be  appointed  by 
this  body,  to  prepare  a  programme  for  said  Sunday  School 
Convention." 

After  a  brief  discussion,  the  resolutions  were  adopted, 
and  the  Sunday  School  Committee,  with  Eev.  W.  H.  Bat- 
son,  Chairman,  were  designated,  to  carry  out  the  provis- 
ions of  the  second  resolution. 

The  Executive  Committee  of  the  Association  was 
reduced  to  three  persons,  instead  of  six,  and  Bros,  John 
Foutch,  J.  0.  Eames,  and  W.  T.  Harris,  were  selected. 

The  time  for  holding  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Asso- 
ciation was,  by  Constitutional  amendment,  changed  to 
the  Friday  before  the  second  Sabbath  in  September. 

NEXT   ANNUAL  MEETING. 

The  Forty-fourth  Anniversary  of  the  Association  will 
be  held  with  the  Waverly  Baptist  Church,  commencing 
on  Friday  before  the  second  Lord's  Day  in  September, 
1881,  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  preceded  by  a  Sunday  School 
Convention,  beginning  Thursday,  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 


i 


Baptist  Association.  101 


APPENDIX. 


The  Work  of  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission 

Society,  within  the  Bounds  of  the  Springfield 

Baptist  Association. 


THE  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society  was  organized,  and 
commenced  its  work,  in  1832.  During  that  year,  thirty-six  ilis- 
sionaries  were  employed  in  nine  States,  as  follows :  Maine,  1 ;  New 
York,  5;  Pennsylvania,  1;  Ohio,  9;  jMichigan,  3;  Indiana,  3;  lUiaois, 
9;  jMissouri,  4;  Mississippi,  1.  One-fourth  of  the  whole  number 
employed,  were  located  in  Illinois.  Four  of  these,  or  one-ninth  of  the 
whole  number,  had  their  field  of  labor  within  the  bounds  of  what 
afterwards  was  embraced  in  the  Springfield  Association.  Their  aggre- 
gate labors  during  that  first  year  of  the  Society's  history,  amounted  to 
two  and  one-half  years  time  of  one  man,  which  was  more  than  one- 
eighth  of  all  the  labor  expended  by  the  Home  iVIission  Society  in  the 
whole  field  of  its  operations.  Central  Illinois  was,  at  that  time, 
regarded  as  one  of  the  most  important  and  promising  fields  for  Mis- 
sionary enterprise  in  the  great  Valley  of  the  ISIississippi.  This  section 
of  country  was  rapidly  fiUiag  up  vnth  emigrants,  more  especially  from 
Kentucky,  but  among  the  names  of  those  who  early  became  connected 
with  the  Springfield  Church,  were  some  from  Tennessee,  North  Caro- 
lina. New  Jersey,  Virginia.  Indiana,  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  New  York, 
Massachusetts,  Vermont,  Coimecticut,  and  Canada.  This  recent  peo- 
ple to  whom  the  Society  sent  its  earliest  IMissionaries,  were  thus  of 
nearly  the  same  mixed  character  as  were  those  to  whom  the  Apostle 


102  Springfield,  Illinois, 


preached  the  gospel  in  Judea  on  the  day  of  Pentecost.  With  the 
exception  of  Saint  Louis,  Central  Illinois  was  at  once  the  western 
boundary  of  civilization,  and  of  the  iield  of  Home  Missionary  labor. 
The  population  of  the  State  was  only  157,455,  and  there  were  only 
110  members  of  Missionary  Baptist  Churches  in  the  whole  State. 
From  1832  to  1840,  was  a  period  of  most  rapid  development— a  filling 
up  time,  in  which  these  broad  prairies  attracted  emigrants  from  other 
States,  with  unparallelled  rapidity.  It  was  therefore  at  once  a 
natural  and  a  wise  forecast,  on  the  part  of  the  Home  Mission  Society, 
to  enter  this  field  at  that  formative  period  of  its  history,  and  plant 
the  institutions  of  the  gospel,  by  aiding  in  the  organization  of  new 
churches  upon  "Gospel  principles. "  This  service  the  Missionaries  of 
that  Society  performed  at  the  time  most  needed,  and  nearly  forty 
years  thereafter  some  of  the  new  and  struggling  churches  were 
fostered  by  the  same  noble  charity,  until  with  the  growth  of  the 
country,  they  at  length  no  longer  needed  assistance.  Our  Association 
owes  to  the  Home  Mission  Society,  a  debt  of  gratitude,  which  it  is 
fitting  should  be  acknowledged  here. 

The  appended  Missionary  table  gives  in  detail  the  names  of  the 
Missionaries  employed,  with  their  respective  fields  of  labor.  They  are 
deserving  of  this  permanent  record,  as  the  founders  of  our  churches, 
the  faithful  servants  of  Him  who  called  them  into  His  ministry. 


Baptist  Association.  103 


MISSIOMEY  TABLE  FEOM  1832  TO  1872. 


Giving  the  Name  of  each  Missionary  employed  by  the  American 
Baptist  Home  Mission  Society,  the  time  when  he  labored,  the  place 
where  he  labored,  and  the  number  of  weeks  labor  for  which  he  was 
compensated  by  the  Society. 


Names.  Fields  of  Labor,  Weeks. 

1833. 

Wm.  Spencer Morgan  county 26 

Jacob  Bower Morgan  county 26 

Wm.  Kenner Morgan  county 35 

1833. 

Wm.  Spencer Morgan  county 52 

Jacob  Bower Morgan  county 55 

Wm.  Kenner Morgan  county 52 

1834. 

Wm.  Spencer Morgan  county 52 

Jacob  Bower Morgan  county 52 

Wm.  Kenner Morgan  county 52 

1837. 

Wm.  Spencer Morgan  county 52 

Jonathan  Merriam Springfield • 52 

1838. 

Wm.'Spencer Morgan  county 26 

Jacob  Bower Morgan  county 52 

Jonathan  Merriam Springfield 26 

1839. 

Thos.  H.  Ford Morgan  county 52 

Joel  Sweet Scott  county 52 

Jacob  Bower Scott  county 52 


104  Springfield,  Illinois, 


MISSIONARY  TABLE-Continued. 

Names,  Field  of  Labor.  Weeks. 

1840. 

Joel  Sweet Springfield  Association Ai 

Jacob  Bower Scott  county 44 

•  1843. 

Alvin  Bailey Jacksonville 2b 

1844. 

Alvin  Bailey Jacksonville 52 

Ambler  Edson Springfield 39 

1845. 

Alvin  Bailey Jacksonville 52 

1846. 

Alvin  Bailey Jacksonville 52 

Gilbert  S.  Bailey Springfield 26 

Burton  Carpenter Decatur 13 

1847. 

Alvin  Bailey Jacksonville 15 

Gilbert  S.  Bailey Springfield 26 

Burton  Carpenter Decatur 52 

1848. 
Gilbert  S.  Bailey Springfield 52 

1849. 

Gilbert  S.  Bailey Springfield 52 

1850. 

C.  H.  Gates Decatur 39 

1851. 

Nelson  Alvord Decatur 26 

1852. 

Nelson  Alvord Decatur 37 

1853. 

J.  N.  Tolman Decatur 13 

1854. 

J.  N.  Tolman Decatur 52 

>        1855. 
J.  N.  Tolman Decatur 52 


Baptist  Association.  105 


MISSIONARY  TABLE— Continued. 

Names.  .        Field  of  Labor.  '  Weeks. 

1856. 

J.  N.  Tolman Decatur 52 

1857. 

J,  N.  Tolman Decatur 39 

1863. 

E.  R.  Coon Pana  and  Macon 13 

1864. 

R.  R.  Coon Pana 39 

1866. 

J.M.Maxwell Taylorville 52 

G.  D.  Blesene Springfield,  German 52 

1867. 

J.  M.  Cochran Christian  county 2(5 

H.  H.  Northrup Pana 52 

1868. 

H.  H.  Northrup Pana , 52 

1869. 

R.  R.  Coon Mowequa 13 

A.  W.  Jackson Jacksonville 26 

1870. 

R.  R.  Coon Mowequa,  and  Assumption 52 

A.  W.  Jackson — Jacksonville 39 

Peter  Klein Springfield,  German 13 

D.  McArthur Oreana,  and  Bethel 13 

1871. 

A.  W.  Jackson Jacksonville 52 

Peter  Klein Springfield 39 

M.  V.  Kitzmiller Chatham 6 

R.  R.  Coon Assumption 52 

D.  McArthur Oreana 52 

Total 2,251 

Note.— Twenty-two  different  Missionaries  have  been  employed  within 
the  bounds  of  the  Springfield  Baptist  Association,  whose  aggregate 
terms  of  service  equals  forty-four  years. 


106 


Springfield,  Illinois, 


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Baptist  Association. 


107 


Table  of  Churches  connected  with  the  Spriugileld  Baptist  Asso- 
ciation, from  its  Organization  October  7,  1837  to  1880. 


o'cf 


1837 
1837 
1837 
1837 
1837 
1^37 
1838 
1838 
1839 
1839 
1839 
1841 
1841 
1-41 
1841 
1841 
1842 
1843 
1843 
1844 
1S4S 
1849 
1851 
1852 
1853 
1855 
1855 
185G 
1857 
1858 
1859 
1859 
1860 
1861 
1»62 
1863 
1864 
1866 
1866 
1867 
1868 
1869 
1870 
1871 
1-572 
1877 
1878 
1878 


Names  of  Churches. 


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03 

Counties. 


United,  Sprinsfleld 

Diamond  Grove..,^.j.../.)... 
Island  Grove. . . . .0!V.«! .  /if. : . 

Salt  Creek 

Mount  Tabor 

Indian  Creek 

Sangamon  Bottom A  — 

Lebanon ., . .  >  l  ..  ■■■ .-rrgiL 


fcTV 


Clary's  Grove,  and  Rock  Creek. 

Stonington 

Manchester .'. 

Apple  Creek 

Virgini  a 

Big  Spring 

Jacksonville 

Winchester 

Hoppwel  I 

Martin's  Prairie 

Sugar  Creek 

Decatur 

German,  Springfield 

Taylor  vill  e 

Elm  Grove 

Centerville 

South  Fork 

Mount  Pleasant 

Waverly 

Union 

Clear  Creek 

Pana 

Friendship 

Beardsto  wn 

Virginia 

North.  Springfield 

S  helby  ville 

Harrist  own 

Mowequa 

Chatham 1 

New  Berlin.. 

Forsy  the 

Mount  Zion , 

Good  Hope 

Assumpt  on 

Providence 

Bethel,  First 

Mattoon 

Bethel.  Second 

Zion,  Springfield , 


86 
27 
33 
14 
10 
40 
7 
29 
10 


83 

9 

62 

26 

117 
25 
24 
27 
60 
13 
13 
23 
23 
84 
14 
22 
25 
9 
11 
17 
12 
26 
85 
25 
12 
17 
27 
20 
19 
46 
16 
17 
11 
30 
30 
58 

118 


1839 
1837 
1852 
1864 


1854 
1856 
1S45 
1854 


1853 
18  2 
1  52 
1852 


1866 


1852 
1874 
1854 
1860 


1857 
1869 


1860 
1862 
1579 


1866 


1871 
1870 
1-77 


1874 

1878 


Sangamon. 

Morgan. 

Sangamon. 

Logan. 

Sangamon. 

Morgan. 

Cass. 

Sangamon. 

Sangamon." 

Ch  list]  an. 

Scott. 

Morgan. 

Ca^s. 

Scott. 

Morgan. 

S  ott. 

Mason. 

Scott. 

Sangamon. 

Macon. 

Sangamon. 

Christian. 

Morgan. 

Morgan. 

Chris  ian. 

McLean, 

Morgan. 

Shelby. 

Christian. 

Christian. 

Macon. 

Cass. 

Cass. 

Sangamon. 

Shelby. 

Macon. 

Shelby. 

Sangamon. 

Sangamon. 

Macon, 

Sangamon. 

Christian. 

Christian. 

Sangamon. 

Sangamon. 

Coles. 

Sangamon. 

Sangamon. 


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Baptist  Association. 


109 


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110 


Springfield,  Illinois, 


Ministers  wlio  have  served  as  Pastors  in  tlie  Sprinsfleld  Baptist 
Association  from  1837  to  1.S80,  with  tlie  date  of  their 

First  Service. 


1837,  Jonathan  Sweet. 

1849,  T.  C.  Teasdale. 

1837,  Jonathan  Merriam. 

1849,  Charles  Thompson. 

1837,  Joel  Sweet. 

1849,  C,  H.  Gates. 

1837,  Wm.  Spencer. 

1849,  W.  F.  Boyakin. 

1837,  John  H.  Daniels. 

1851,  Paris  Pray. 

1838,  Wm.  Kinner. 

1851,  B.  F.  Chapman. 

1838,  Richard  Rhea. 

1851,  A.  J.  Bingham. 

1838,  Wm.  Randolph. 

1851,.Nelson  Alvord. 

1839,  Jacob  Bower. 

1852,  J.  M.  Chapman. 

1839,  0.  G.  Comstock. 

1852,  J.  M.  Taggart. 

1841,  H.  W.  Dodge. 

1852,  B.  B.  Carpenter. 

1841,  Thomas  Taylor. 

1852,  C.  B.  Phillips. 

1841.  Alvin  Bailey. 

1852,  J.  N.  Tolman. 

1842,  A.  L.  Brown. 

1853,  Wm.  Sym. 

1842,  Porter  Clay. 

1853,  L.  Schofield. 

1843,  Amos  Dodge. 

1854,  G.  W.  Pendleton. 

1844,  Ambler  Edson. 

1855,  N.  W.  Miner. 

1844,  Elijah  Dodson. 

1855.  N.  J.  Coffey. 

1844,  Moses  Lemen. 

1855,  J.  Wrightman. 

1845,  W.  H.  D.  Johnson. 

1855,  A.  B.  Harris. 

1845,  Moores  Bailey. 

1855,  Cyrus  Miner. 

1845,  Thomas  Powell. 

1855.  D.  S.  Miller. 

1847,  G.  S.  Bailey. 

1857,  G.  A.  Pease. 

1847,  Burton  Carpenter. 

1857,  F.  Wiley. 

1848,  John  White. 

1859,  W.  S.  Goodno. 

1848,  W.  W.  Happy. 

1859,  B.  Thomas. 

1848,  R.  S.  Cole. 

1859,  D.  Lewis. 

1848,  J.  B.  Abraham. 

1860,  R.  R.  Coon.  ^-^^ 

1855.  a.  W.  S.  Bell. 

1860,  Ichabod  Clark. 

Baptist  Association. 


Ill 


MINISTEEIAL  TABLE-Continued. 


1860,  F.  W.  Ingmire. 

1861,  Perry  Bennett. 
ISGl.  Geo.  P.  Guild. 

1862,  W.  F.  Nelson. 

1863,  J.  M.  Cochran. 
1863,  A.  C.  Hubbard. 
1863,  F.  M.  Ellis. 

1863,  D.  D.  Holmes. 
1864  J.  C.  Cochran. 
1861,  J.  C.  Hart. 
1865,  C.  Garrison. 
1865,  F.  C.  Thearle. 

1865,  S.  A.  Kingsbury, 

1866.  C.  J.  DeWitt. 
1866,  Alba  Gross. 
1866,  H.  P.  Curry. 

1866,  N.  G.  Collins, 

1867,  H.  H.  Northrup. 
1867,  H.  M.  Carr. 
1867,  J.  C.  Kennedy. 

1864.  Wm.  Green. 
1864,  Edward  Jones. 
1869,  S.  F.  Holt. 

1869,  W.  H.  Stiffler.  .„,,^ 

1869,  S.  Washington, 

1870,  W.  H.  Stedman, 

1870,  D.  F.  Carnahan. 

1871,  David  King, 

1871,  M.  V.  Kitzmiller. 
1870,  Nehemiah  Pierce. 

1872,  D.  McArthur. 


1872,  M.  Davenport. 
1872,  J.  H.  Phillips. 

1872,  L.  G.  Carr. 

1873,  S.  Kobinson. 
1873,  A.  H.  Scott. 
1873,  J.  C.  Bonham. 
1873,  W.  A.  Jarrell. 
1873,  J.  M.  Bennett. 

1873,  E.  W.  Daniels. 

1874,  A.  J.  Delano. 
1874,  M.  C.  Clark.     „ 
1874,  M.  H.  Worrall. 
1874,  J.  T.  Green. 
1874.  D.  W.  Morgan. 
1874,  A.  L.  Seward. 
1874,  C.  W.  Clark. 
1874,  W.  C.  Eoach. 
1877,  W.  G.  Inman. 
1877,  Simeon  Hussey. 
1877,  L.  M.  Goff. 

1877,  M.  T.  Lamb. 
1877,  D.  King. 

1877.  S.  D.  Badger.  ' 
187r,  D.  L.  McBride. 

1878,  George  Brents. 

1878,  W.  J.  Chapin. 

1879,  W.  H.  Batson. 
1879,  Oswald  Snell. 

1879.  T.  S.  Dodge. 

1880,  C.  C.  Pierce. 
1880,  F.  D.  Rickerson. 


112  Springfield,  Illinois, 


BRIEF  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 


OF   THE 


GhuFches   in  the  Sppingfield   Baptist  Association. 


SPEINGFIELD  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  First  Baptist  Church  of  Springfield,  IlHnois,  was 
constituted  July  17th,  1830,  with  the  following  named 
eight  members :  John  Crowder,  John  Durham,  Samuel 
C.  Neal,  Sarah  Neal,  Temperance  Watson,  Polly  Miller, 
Betsey  Gillock,  Nancy  Gillock.  Two  other  persons  having 
united  with  the  church  in  July,  Eev.  Aaron  Vandeveer 
was  called,  on  the  21st  of  August,  to  take  the  pastoral 
care  of  the  church,  "and  to  attend  her  whenever  he  can," 
and  further,  "this  church  agrees  to  join  the  Sangamon 
Association."  He  continued  to  serve  the  church  under 
that  caU  until  June  21st,  1835,  during  which  time  the 
membership  of  the  church  had  increased  to  eighty.  In 
June,  1834,  the  lot  now  occupied  by  the  Central  Baptist 
Church,  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Adams  and  Seventh 
streets,  was  purchased  for  a  site  for  a  meeting  house. 

October  26th,  1836,  Eev.  Jonathan  Merriam,  of  Pas- 
sumpsic  Village,  Vermont,  became  Pastor  of  the  church. 


Baptist  Association.  113 


and  continued  until  November  1st,  1838.  During  his 
ministry,  seventy  members  were  received  by  baptism,  and 
twenty  by  letter. 

October  1st,  1839,  Eev.  0.  C.  Comstock,  D.D.,  of 
Detroit,  Michigan,  was  engaged  to  serve  as  pastor  for  one 
year,  at  a  salary  of  $400.  During  the  year,  four  were 
added  to  the  church  by  baptism,  and  eleven  by  letter. 

November  22d,  1840,  Eev.  H.  W.  Dodge  became  pastor 
of  the  church,  and  continued  to  serve  until  September 
1st,  1843.  During  his  pastorate  in  1841,  Eev.  Thomas 
Powell,  and  Eev.  I.  D.  Newell,  assisted  in  a  protracted 
meeting,  which  resulted  in  largely  increasing  the  church 
in  members  and  efficiency.  Among  the  members  added 
by  baptism  at  that  time,  was  a  young  lad,  whose  father, 
Hon.  Jesse  B.  Thomas,  had  been  baptized  into  the  fellow- 
ship of  the  church,  February  21st,  1841,  himself  now  one 
of  the  foremost  preachers  in  the  Baptist  denomination, 
Eev.  Jesse  B.  Thomas,  D.D.,  of  Brooklyn,  New  York,  who 
was  baptized  and  became  a  member  of  the  church,  Decem- 
ber 6th,  1841,  in  fellowship  of  which  he  continued  until 
February,  1844. 

On  the  24th  of  April,  1844,  Eev.  Ambler  Edson  became 
Pastor  of  the  church,  and  served  one  year. 

On  the  1st  of  October,  1846,  Eev.  GHbert  S.  Bailey,  of 
Honesdale,  Pennsylvania,  became  pastor  of  the  church, 
and  continued  as  such  until  October  1st,  1849.  During 
his  term  of  service  the  church  erected  the  house  of  wor- 
ship, dedicated  April  7th,  1850,  which  it  has  since  that 
time  occupied. 

On  the  7th  of  April,  1850,  Eev.  Thomas  C.  Teasdale,  of 
Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  became  pastor,  and  served 
until  1852. 

In  July,  1853,  Eev.  William  Sym  took  pastoral  charge 
of  the  church,  and  continued  two  years,  until  1855. 


114  Springfield,  Illinois, 


In  April,  1855,  Eev.  N.  W.  Miner  commenced  Ms  labors 
as  pastor,  and  served  for  the  term  of  fourteen  years, 
until  October,  1869. 

Eev.  H.  M.  Gallagher,  of  Brooklj^i,  New  York,  was 
baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  this  church,  March  2d,  1856. 

November  1st,  1870,  Eev.  N.  Pierce  became  pastor,  and 
continued  with  the  church  until  his  death,  in  March,  1873. 

In  November,  1874,  Eev.  M.  H.  Worrall  became  pastor 
of  the  church,  and  remained  until  1878. 

In  November,  1878,  Eev.  J.  L.  M.  Young  took  pastoral 
charge  of  the  church,  and  continued  to  serve  until  June, 
1879,  at  which  time  the  church  became  consolidated  with 
the  Noi-th  Baptist  Church,  forming  the  Central  Baptist 
Church.* 

On  the  1st  of  November,  1879,  Eev.  F.  D.  Eickerson 
accepted  the  unanimous  call  of  the  Central  Baptist 
Church,  since  which  time  he  has  served  as  its  Pastor. 


DIAMOND  GEOVE  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  Diamond  Grove  Baptist  Church  was  constituted 
April  26,  1823,  v/ith  twelve  members.  It  is  the  oldest 
church  connected  with  the  Springfield  Baptist  Associa- 
tion, and  was  one  of  the  constituent  churches  of  that 
organization.  Among  its  earHest  pastors  were  Eev. 
Jonathan  Sweet,  and  Eev.  Joel  Sweet,  the  former  having 
been  the  first  Moderator  of  the  Association,  and  the  latter 
one  of  its  earhest  Missionaries,  as  early  as  1839. 

■  *NoTE.— The  followint?  i^  resolution  "third,"  referred  to  on  page  96, 
middle  paragraph,  omitted  in  printing  page  95: 

.  "Resolved,  That  this  Association  deplores  and  discountenances  any 
""™j?'^i'at«  movement  to  sustain  more  than  one  white,  English-speaking 
Baptist  Church  m  the  city  of  Springfleld."  ^  ^  & 


Baptist  Association.  115 

Eev.  Thomas  Taylor  was  pastor  in  1846,  and  the  two 
years  following. 

From  1848  to  1856,  the  church  was  supplied  with  preach- 
ing irregularly. 

In  1856  it  completed  the  erection  of  a  house  of  worship. 

In  1859,  Eev.  D.  Lewis  was  engaged  to  preach  one-half 
the  time,  and  served  two  years.  These  were  years  of 
more  than  usual  progress  in  the  church. 

In  1862,  Daniel  D.  Holmes  was  licensed  by  the  church 
to  preach,  and  was  not  long  afterwards,  ordained  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry.  He  has  served  the  church  as 
pastor  with  great  acceptance,  and  without  interruption, 
from  1865  to  the  present  time,  1880,  at  which  time  the 
membership  has  reached  the  number  of  fifty. 


BERLIN  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

The  Berlin  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  October 
6th,  1833,  by  name  of  the  "Island  Grove  Church,  Friends 
of  Humanity."  The  term  "Friends  of  Humanity,"  meant 
opposition  to  slavery. 

During  the  first  year.  Rev.  John  McRae  served  as 
pastor. 

The  successive  pastors  were :  Rev.  — .  Perigo,  Rev.  — . 
Barber,  and  Rev,  — .  Kinney,  until  January,  1838,  when 
Rev,  William  Spencer  became  pastor,  serving  until  the 
time  of  his  death,  late  in  that  year. 

Rev.  Richard  Rhea  served  as  pastor  from  January, 
1839,  until  the  time  of  his  death,  in  November  of  that 
year. 


116  Speingfield,  Illinois, 

Eev.  Thomas  Taylor  was  chosen  pastor  in  1841,  and 
continued  to  serve  the  church,  preaching  once  a  month 
until  1847. 

In  January,  1847,  the  church  having  up  to  that  time 
met  in  a  log  school  house  in  the  western  part  of  Island^ 
Grove,  changed  its  place  of  worship  to  a  school  house  in 
the  town  of  Berlin,  and  soon  after  took  steps  towards 
building  a  meeting  house,  which  was  completed  in  1849. 

For  the  first  fourteen  years  its  membership  numbered 
only  about  twenty.  With  the  change  of  location,  the 
name  was  changed  to  the  "Berlin  Baptist  Church." 

In  June,  1853,  Eev.  L  Schofield  became  pastor,  and 
served  until  1855. 

In  August,  1855,  Eev.  Cyrus  Miner  commenced  his 
labors  as  pastor,  and  continued  his  work  until  the  time  of 
his  death,  in  August,  1856. 

Eev.  G.  A.  Pease  became  pastor  in  1856,  and  after  three 
years  service,  closed  his  labors  on  account  of  the  failure 
of  his  voice. 

Eev.  E.  E.  Coon  served  as  pastor  one  year,  in  1860, 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  Eev.  Perry  Bennett,  who  con- 
tinued to  serve  the  church  four  years. 

Eev.  C.  Garrison  was  pastor  one  year,  in  1865. 

In  February,  1866,  the  church  dedicated  its  new  and 
commodious  meeting  house. 

In  April,  1867,  Eev.  N.  G.  Collins  became  pastor,  and 
continued  with  the  church  about  two  years. 

Eev.  A.  Gross  served  as  pastor  one  year,  in  1870.  Eev.  J. 
C.  Kennedy  became  pastor  in  1871,  and  served  three  years. 

Eev.  W.  I.  Price  was  pastor  in  1876. 

In  May,  1878,  Eev.  Lee  M.  Goff  was  ordained  as  pastor 
of  the  church,  and  continued  until  January  1st,  1879. 

In  September,  1879,  Eev.  C.  W.  Clark  accepted  a  call 
to  the  care  of  the  church,  and  still  serves  as  pastor. 


Baptist  Association.  117 


STONINGTON  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

This  church  was  organized  October  24th,  1837,  with 
eleven  members.  Most  of  the  original  members  were 
from  the  First  Baptist  Church,  Noi-th  Stonington,  Connec- 
ticut. The  meetings  were  held  at  first,  at  the  house  of  A. 
B.  Peabody,  and  then  changed  to  that  of  Deacon  Samuel 
Peabody. 

Up  to  1843,  the  church  was  destitute  of  stated  preach- 
ing. In  May  of  this  year,  Eev.  Amos  Dodge  accepted  the 
invitation  of  the  church,  and  preached  until  March  10th, 
1844,  when  he  died,  much  beloved  as  a  discreet  and  de- 
voted minister. 

Four  were  added  by  baptism,  and  the  number  of  per- 
sons reported  in  1844,  was  forty-nine. 

In  1846  the  church  commenced  a  Sabbath  School,  and 
on  the  17th  of  January  the  same  year,  Paris  Pray  was 
licensed  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  employed  by  the  church 
as  their  preacher  for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  church  was  supplied  alternately  by  Eev.  Paris 
Pray  and  Eev.  B.  F.  Chapman,  most  of  the  time  until 
1857,  when  Eev.  F.  Wiley  became  pastor,  who  continued 
with  the  church  until  1860,  when  he  was  succeed  by  Eev. 
E.  P.  Barker,  who  resigned  in  1862.  Eev.  J.  M.  Cochran 
became  pastor  in  1863,  and  continued  thi-ee  years.  In 
January,  1869,  Eev.  E.  J.  Lock  became  pastor  and  served 
one  year,  when  in  1871  he  was  succeeded  by  Eev.  George 
A.  Pease,  who  served  one  year.  Eev.  L.  G.  Carr  was 
ordained  and  became  pastor  of  the  church  in  June,  1872, 
and  served  two  years,  when  he  was  succed  by  Eev.  W.  A, 
Jarrell,  who  served  two  years.  Eev.  D.  L.  McBride 
settled  as  pastor  in  1877,  and  stiU  remains  pastor  of  the 
church. 


118  Springfield,  Illinois, 


LOAMI  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  Loami  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  June  25th, 
1838,  with  twenty-six  members,  who  were  previously  con- 
nected with  the  Springfield  Church,  twenty  of  them 
halving  been  baptized  into  its  fellowship  by  Eev.  Jonathan 
Merriam,  in  the  month  of  May,  preceeding.  The  name, 
Lebanon  Baptist  Church  was  at  first  given  to  the  organi- 
zation. Previous  to  1843,  Eev.  W.  L.  Meacham  and 
Eev.  Thomas  Taylor  preached  for  the  church  once  a 
month.  In  1844,  Eev.  Calvin  Goodell,  and  in  1845,  Eev. 
Moores  Bailey  supplied  the  church.  From  1846  to  1850, 
there  was  no  regular  pastoral  service.  In  1850,  Eev. 
George  W.  Foster,  and  in  1853,  Eev.  A.  B.  Harris  sup- 
plied the  church.  In  18G1  Eev.  Geo.  P.  Guild  preached 
once  a  month.  In  1862  the  name  was  changed  from  Leb- 
anon, to  Loami  Baptist  Church.  From  that  time  to  1880, 
it  had  seven  different  preachers,  and  for  several  years  of 
the  time  was  without  stated  preaching.  Those  who 
served  the  church  successively  were  Eev.  A.  Stott,  Eev. 
A.  Gross,  Eev.  J.  W.  Place,  Eev.  G.  W.  Stephens,  Eev. 
A.  H.  Scott,  Eev.  D.  Collins,  and  Eev.  W.  J.  Chapin. 
In  1879  the  church  lost  its  house  of  worship,  by  fire,  and 
since  that  time  it  has  made  no  report  to  the  Association 


EICHLAND  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  Eichland  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  by  Eev. 
Jonathan  Merriam,  under  the  name  of  "Clary's  Grove, 
and  Eock  Creek  Church,"  June  29th,  1839,  with  ten 
members. 


Baptist  Association.  119 

The  first  pastor  was  Kev.  John  H.  Daniels,  who  con- 
tinued to  serve  as  such  until  1842.  He  was  succeeded  by 
Kev.  John  White,  who  served  tAvo  years.  From  August, 
1£44,  the  church  was  served  for  five  years  by  Eevs.  Tay- 
lor, Daniels,  and  White.  In  1845  the  church  erected  its 
house  of  worship.  In  August,  1850,  Eev.  N.  J.  Coffey 
was  called  to  the  pastoral  care  of  the  church,  and  con- 
tinued to  serve  fourteen  years,  until  1864.  In  1865  Eev. 
J.  C.  Kennedy,  and  in  1866,  Eev.  H.  P.  Curry  served  as 
pastor,  one  year  each,  respectively.  Eev.  J.  C.  Kennedy 
served  again  as  pastor  from  1867  to  1871.  Eev.  G.  W. 
Stephens  was  pastor  three  years,  from  1873  to  1876. 
Eev.  H.  P.  Curry  Avas  pastor  from  1876  to  1879,  when  he 
was  succeeded  by  the  present  pastor,  Eev.  J.  E.  Coen- 
hour. 


JACKSONVILLE  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  Jacksonville  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  June 
1,  1841,  at  the  house  of  M.  C.  Goltra,  lately  deceased, 
who  was  one  of  its  constituent  members.  Eev.  Alvin 
Bailey  served  as  pastor  for  six  years  from  its  organiza- 
tion ;  the  first  two  and  a-half  years  of  which  he  preached 
two  Sabbaths  each  month,  and  after  that,  every  Sabbath. 
Its  first  house  of  worship  was  dedicated  in  1845. 

Eev.  W.  F.  Boyakin  assumed  pastoral  care  of  the 
church  January  1,  1849,  remaining  with  the  church  for 
one  year.  In  June,  1851,  Eev.  A.  J.  Bingham  took 
charge  of  the  church  and  continued  a  year  and  a  half. 
During  his  ministry,  Eev.  Jacob  Knapp  held  a  protracted 
meeting  of  six  weeks,  as  the  result  of  which,  nearly  one 


120  Springfield,  Illinois, 


hundred  persons  united  with  the  church,  few  of  whom 
proved  to  he  permanent  members. 

On  the  first  of  April,  1854,  Eev.  G.  W.  Pendleton 
entered  upon  his  labors  as  pastor  of  the  church,  and 
continued  until  1858,  when  Eev.  W.  S.  Goodno  became 
pastor,  serving  two  years.  Dedicated  new  house  of 
worship  at  a  cost  of  $15,000,  April  7,  1858. 

In  1862,  Eev.  W.  F.  Nelson,  and  in  1863,  Eev.  Wm.  G. 
Pratt,  served  as  pastor,  one  year  each. 

In  1865,  Eev.  S.  A.  Kingsbury  settled  as  pastor  and 
continued  to  serve  the  church  for  three  years.  In  May, 
1868,  Eev.  Wm.  Green  entered  upon  the  pastorate  of  the 
church  and  remained  two  years.  Eev.  S.  Washington 
became  pastor  of  the  church,  November,  1869,  and  served 
five  years,  until  1874.  Eev.  Hugh  S.  Marshall  served  as 
pastor  from  October,  1875,  to  October  1876.  Eev.  M.  T. 
Lamb  served  as  pastor  from  1877,  to  July  10,  1879. 
Eev.  C.  C.  Pierce  supplied  the  church  from  October  1, 
1879,  until  July  4,  1880,  when  he  was  ordained  as  pastor, 
and  stiU  continues  to  serve  in  that  office. 


DECATUE  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  Decatur  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  Septem- 
ber 14,  1843,  with  twelve  members,  previously  connected 
with  the  Springfield  Baptist  Church.  Eev.  Moses  Lemen 
was  the  first  pastor,  serving  about  one  year  from  June, 
1844.  Eev.  E.  Maddock  succeeded  him,  preaching  for 
a  short  time.  Early  in  1847,  Eev.  Burton  Carpenter 
settled  as  pastor,  and  for  the  first  time  the  church  en- 
joyed the  preaching  of  the  word  every  Sabbath  for  one 


Baptist  Association.  121 

year.  During  this  year  a  convenient  meeting  house  was 
erected.  Eev.  C.  H.  Gates  served  as  pastor  in  1850. 
Eev.  Nelson  Alvord  became  pastor  in  1851,  and  served 
two  years.  Early  in  1853,  Eev.  J.  N.  Tolman  settled  as 
pastor,  and  continued  his  service  with  the  church  for 
live  years.  In  1857  the  church  completed  a  new  house 
of  worship.  In  1859,  Eev.  B.  Thomas  became  pastor 
and  served  the  church  two  years.  In  1860,  Eev.  S,  G. 
Miner  having  served  as  pastor  one  year  resigned  the  care 
of  the  church  to  accept  the  position  of  Chaplain  in  the 
army.  On  May  1st,  1863,  Eev.  Frank  M.  Ellis  accepted 
the  call  of  the  church,  and  served  as  pastor  two  years. 
In  the  spring  of  1865,  Eev.  F.  G.  Thearle  became  pastor 
and  served  for  three  years,  until  1868,  when  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Eev.  S.  F.  Holt,  who  served  three  years.  Eev. 
J.  C.  Bonham  became  pastor,  in  1863,  and  continued  two 
years.  Eev.  G.  W.  Inman  served  as  pastor  two  years, 
1876  and  1877,  to  August  1st,  1878.  In  May,  1879,  Eev. 
W.  H.  Batson  accepted  the  call  of  the  church  and  served 
as  pastor  two  years. 


SECOND  BETHEL  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  Second  Bethel  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  in 
1849.  For  many  years  it  was  in  a  depressed  condition, 
but  during  the  winter  of  1878,  it  enjoyed  a  gracious 
revival  resulting  in  the  addition  of  twenty-seven  to  its 
membership,  making  the  aggregate  number  fifty-eight. 
It  united  with  the  Springfield  Association  in  1879.  Eev. 
H.  P.  Curry  preached  for  the  church  once  a  month  during 
the  Associational  year,  1880. 
—9 


122  Springfield,  Illinois, 


WAVEELY  BAPTIST  CHUKCH. 

The  Waverly  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  August 
21st,  1855,  with  twenty-two  members.  It  had  no  stated 
preaching  for  the  first  three  years. 

In  November,  1858,  Eev.  D.  Lewis  became  pastor, 
preaching  one-half  the  time  for  one  year. 

In  1861,  Eev.  George  P.  Guild  became  pastor,  and 
served  four  years,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Eev.  J.  C. 
Hart. 

In  1863  a  commencement  was  made  towards  a  house 
of  worship,  and  some  progress  made.  It  was  completed 
and  dedicated  June  17,  1866,  with  a  debt  of  $175.00  in 
addition  to  §800.00  borrowed  of  the  American  Baptist 
Home  Mission  Society.  Eev.  Perry  Bennett  preached 
for  the  church  in  1868  and  1869. 

In  1871  Eev.  M.  C.  Davenport  was  pastor,  and  con- 
tmued  his  services  until  1875  as  a  Missionary  of  the 
American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society.  The  Spring- 
field Association  met  with  this  church,  the  second  time 
in  1874,  and  it  being  still  burdened  with  debt,  provision 
was  made  during  the  session  to  pay  off  the  same. 

In  1875,  Eev.  M.  C.  Clark  became  pastor,  and  a  series 
of  meetings  held  that  year  resulted  in  the  addition  of 
fifty  members, — by  letter  and  by  baptism, — making  the 
total  number,  one  hundred  and  ten.  He  closed  his  labors 
with  the  church  June  2d,  1877. 

In  1878,  Eev.  M.  C.  Davenport  again  took  charge  of 
the  church,  serving  until  January  1,  1879. 

In  February,  1880,  Eev.  J.  M.  Bennett  became  pastor, 
and  continues  to  serve  the  church  until  the  present  time. 


Baptist  Association.  123 


TAYLOKVILLE  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  Taylorville  Baptist  Cliurcli  was  constituted  Novem- 
ber 23,  1848,  with  tAvelve  members,  who  had  previously 
been  members  of  the  Stonington  Baptist  Church.  Eev. 
Paris  Pray  was  the  first  pastor. 

In  1851  a  commencement  was  made  towards  building 
a  meeting  house,  which  was  completed  in  1854.  The 
church  had  not  a  settled  pastor  until  1857,  when  Eev.  T. 
Eeese  settled  with  them  and  remained  two  years,  preach- 
ing twice  a  month. 

In  1864  Eev.  J.  M.  Maxwell  became  pastor  and  contin- 
ued until  October,  1867.  He  was  succeeded  in  February, 
1868,  by  Eev.  Edward  Jones,  who  continued  two  years. 

Eev.  E.  W.  Daniels  served  as  pastor  in  1873,  and  Eev. 
M.  C.  Clark  in  1874,  and  Eev.  D.  W.  Morgan,  in  1875. 

Eev.  S.  J).  Badger  accepted  the  call  of  the  church  in 
1877,  and  served  as  pastor  two  years. 

In  1879,  Eev.  Oswald  Snell  became  pastor,  and  still 
continues  to  serve  the  church. 


CALYAEY  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  Calvary  Baptist  Church  of  Mattoon,  was  consti- 
tuted in  April,  1877,  with  thirty  members.  Eev.  Hamil- 
ton Eobb,  its  first  pastor,  served  one  year,  when  he  was 
succeeded  by  Eev.  T.  S.  Dodge,  in  1879,  who  still  serves 
the  church,  supported  in  part  by  the  lUinois  Baptist 
General  Association.  In  1879  a  convenient  house  of 
worship  was  purchased,  for  $1,000.  It  has  a  membership 
of  thirty-seven,  in  1880. 


124 


Springfield,  Illinois, 


PANA  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  Pana  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  July  21st, 
1858,  with  eleven  members.  In  1862  the  church  reported 
to  the  Association,  with  Eev.  Pi.  E.  Coon  as  pastor,  and 
was  received  into  its  fellowship.  Eev.  Mr.  Coon  con- 
tinued to  preach  for  the  church  during  1863  and  1864, 
on  every  alternate  Sabbath.  During  the  next  two  years 
there  was  no  report  made  to  the  Association.  February 
3d,  1866,  the  church  dedicated  its  new  house  of  worship. 

Eev.  H.  H.  Northrup  accepted  the  call  of  the  church 
March  1st,  1867,  and  continued  to  serve  as  pastor  for  two 
years,  during  which  time  a  large  number  were  added  to 
the  membership. 

In  1869,  Eev.  W.  H.  Stiffler  was  called  to  the  pastorate, 
and  on  the  13th  of  June,  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the 
gospel  ministry  by  a  Council,  duly  called  by  the  church. 

The  Association  met  with  this  church  for  the  first  time 
in  1870. 

Eev.  Mr.  Stiffler  continued  to  serve  the  church  as  pastor 
during  the  years  1870  and  1871,  and  his  labors  were 
attended  with  a  good  degree  of  success. 

In  1873,  Eev.  J.  M.  Bennett  became  Pastor,  and  served 
acceptably  for  two  years,  closing  his  labors  July  1st,  1874. 

During  the  year  1875,  Eev.  H.  A.  Guild  supplied  the 
pulpit. 

In  1876,  Eev.  Simeon  Hussey  accepted  the  call  of  the 
church,  and  continued  his  faithful  service  for  the  term  of 
three  years,  closing  his  labors  November  1st,  1879.  The 
membership  of  the  church  in  1880,  was  one  hundred  and 

fifty-two. 


Baptist  Association.  125 


SHELBYVILLE  BAPTIST  CHUKCH. 

The  Shelbyville  Baptist  Church  was  constituted,  and 
united  with  the  Springfield  Association  in  1862. 

Eev.  E.  K.  Coon  was  pastor  from  1862  to  1864.  In 
1865,  Rev.  Wilham  Stillwell  was  pastor.  This  was  the 
first  year  that  the  church  reported  its  membership  to  the 
Association,  the  number  being  twenty-five.  In  1870  the 
church  reported  the  commencement  of  a  house  of  worship, 
and  greater  prosperity  than  at  any  previous  period  of  its 
history.  Rev.  W.  H.  Stedman  was  pastor.  In  1872,  Rev. 
J.  H.  Philhps  began  his  labors  as  pastor,  continuing  for 
three  years,  during  which  time  the  church  edifice,  and  a 
parsonage  were  completed,  at  a  cost  of  $11,000. 
^  In  1875,  Rev.  A.  L.  Seward  succeeded  to  the  charge  of 
the  church,  and  served  one  year,  when  Rev.  J.  H.  Phil- 
lips resumed  his  work,  and  served  as  pastor  for  a  second 
term  of  three  years,  until  1879, 


MOWEQUA  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

The  Mowequa  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  in  1864, 
with  seventeen  members,  gathered  under  the  labors  of 
Rev.  R.  R.  Coon,  who  served  as  pastor  for  four  years, 
preaching  once  a  month.  In  1869,  the  church  having 
previously  occupied  a  house  belonging  to  another  denomi- 
nation, erected  a  comfortable  one  of  its  o^vn,  which  was 
dedicated,  free  from  debt,  April  17th,  1870,  at  a  cost  of 
$5,500.  From  1871  to  1876,  Rev.  G.  A.  Pease,  and  Rev. 
D.  Robinson,  served  as  pastors  a  part  of  the  time.  In 
1877,  Rev.  C.  W.  Roach  became  pastor,  and  served  three 
years,  until  April  1st,  1880. 


126  Springfield,  Illinois, 


CHATHAM  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

The  Chatham  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  April 
28th,  1866,  with  twenty-seven  members.  Rev.  C.  J. 
DeWitt,  hcentiate,  preached  one-half  the  time  for  two 
years.  During  this  time  the  church  having  no  house  of 
worship,  met  in  private  houses.  In  1868  a  revival  resulted 
in  the  addition  of  twenty  members,  and  a  commencement 
was  made  on  a  house  of  worship,  which  was  completed, 
and  dedicated,  February  14th,  1869, 

Rev.  A.  Gross  served  as  pastor  until  October  following. 
The  next  two  years  the  church  had  no  regular  j^reaching. 

In  October,  1870,  Rev.  M.  V.  Kitzmiller  commenced  his 
labors,  serving  two  years.  Rev.  M.  C.  Clark  preached  to 
the  church  for  a  few  months  in  1876. 

In  1878,  Rev.  W.  J.  Chapin,  Missionary  of  the  Spring- 
field Association,  took  charge  of  the  church,  and  con- 
tinues to  occupy  the  field  to  the  present  time,  1880. 


GOOD-HOPE  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

The  Good-Hope  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  Feb- 
ruary 15th,  1868,  and  recognized  by  a  Council  in  June  of 
that  year.  Rev.  J.  M.  Maxwell,  who  had  been  instru- 
mental in  the  organization  of  the  church,  was  its  first  pas- 
tor. Rev.  Paris  Pray  supplied  the  church  during  the  years 
1872  and  1873.  Subsequent  to  the  latter  date  it  had  no 
stated  preaching  for  several  years.  On  the  1st  day  of 
May,  1880,  Rev.  W.  C.  Roach  became  pastor,  and  during 
the  next  six  months  the  church  built  a  commodious  house 
of  worship,  at  a  cost  of  $2,200.  The  post-office  address 
of  this  church  is  Grove  City,  Christian  county. 


Baptist  Association.  127 


ASSUMPTION  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  Assumption  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  Feb- 
ruary 27th,  1870,  and  immediately  commenced  to  build  a 
house  of  worship.  It  was  duly  recognized  by  a  Council, 
August  27th,  1870,  and  on  the  next  day  its  new  and  com- 
pleted sanctuary  was  dedicated, — free  from  debt.  Eev. 
E.  E.  Coon  labored  on  this  field  from  the  organization  of 
the  church,  serving  as  pastor  two  years,  when  he  was 
succeeded  by  Eev.  Geo.  A.  Pease,  who  preached  two  Sab- 
baths a  month  for  one  year.  In  1873,  Eev.  S.  Eobinson 
served  as  pastor,  preaching  twice  a  month.  In  March, 
1874,  Eev.  E.  E.  Coon  resumed  the  pastoral  care  of  the 
church  and  served  two  years.  He  was  succeeded  in  1877 
by  Eev.  C.  W.  Eoach,  who  served  one  year.  In  1879,  the 
letter  to  the  Association  reported  the  church  without  a 
pastor,  and  but  two  Baptist  families  in  the  place — the 
balance  being  scattered.  On  the  first  of  May,  1880,  Eev. 
D.  L.  McBride  engaged  to  preach  twice  a  month.  The 
membership  numbered  twenty-six. 


OEEANA  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  Oreana  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  with 
twelve  members,  March  23d,  1858,  under  the  name  of 
the  "Friendship  Baptist  Church." 

Eev.  Jacob  Bower  was  its  first  pastor,  and  remained  a 
member  until  the  time  of  his  decease,  in  1874. 

Eev.  J.  Z.  Zimmerman  was  the  second  pastor,  serving 
one  year,  in  18G0.     He  was  succeeded  by  Eev.  D.  B. 


128  Speingfield,  Illinois, 

Wiiislow,  who  in  turn,  after  one  years'  service,  gave  place 
to  Eev.  W.  P.  Combs,  in  1862. 

Eev.  W.  H.  Walters  served  as  pastor  three  years,  from 
1863  to  1866. 

In  1867,  Eev.  E.  M.  Brown  was  pastor,  and  Eev.  D. 
McArthur,  in  1871. 

Eev.  F.  W.  Ingmire  served  two  years  as  pastor,  from 
1872  to  1874. 

During  the  year  1875,  the  church  erected  a  commodi- 
ous house  of  worship  at  Oreana,  costing  $2,100,  and  its 
name  was  changed  to  Oreana  Baptist  Church. 

In  1876  and  1877,  Eev.  E.  E.  Coon  served  as  pastor. 

In  1879  and  1880,  Eev.  W.  C.  Eoach  preached  for  the 
church  one-half  the  time.    Its  membership  is  fifty-six. 


MOUNT  ZION  BAPTIST  CHUECH. 

The  Mount  Zion  Baptist  Church  was  constituted  March 
Ist,  1868,  with  forty-seven  members.  Eev.  Perry  Ben- 
nett was  pastor  from  its  organization  until  Nov.  1st,  1868, 
when  Eev.  G.  W.  Stephens  was  engaged  to  preach  once 
a  month.  In  1871,  Eev.  Perry  Bennett  was  again  em- 
ployed and  continued  to  serve  the  church  once  a  month 
until  1873,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Eev.  D.  D.  Holmes, 
who  preached  once  a  month  for  one  year.  In  1874,  Eev. 
W.  C.  Eoach  served  as  pastor.  The  xissociation  met 
with  this  church  in  1875.  Eev.  A.  H.  Scott  and  Eev.  D. 
King,  preached  once  a  month  in  1876,  and  1877.  Since 
that  time  no  report  has  been  made  to  the  Association. 


i 

i 


Baptist  Association.  129 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES 


OP 


Fopmep  Pastors  in  the  Sppingfield  Baptist  Association. 


REV.  JONATHAN  MERRIAM. 

Rev.  Jonathan  Merriam  Was  bom  in  Ashbumham,  Worcester  county, 
Massachusetts,  in  the  year  1791.  He  removed  to  Vermont  at  an  early 
day,  and  having  enjoyed  such  educational  advantages  only  as  were 
afforded  by  the  common  schools,  was  ordained  as  a  Baptist  preacher, 
and  began  his  ministry  in  Brandon,  Rutland  county,  Vermont,  in  the 
year  1815.  He  was  naarried  to  Miss  Achsah  Olin,  daughter  of  Gov- 
ernor Henry  Olin,  of  Leicester,  Vermont,  on  the  19th  of  May,  1824. 
Realizing  the  need  of  a  more  thorough  course  of  education,  he  gave 
vip  the  active  duties  of  the  ministry  for  a  time,  and  spent  some  time 
with  Dr.  Wm.  Staughton,  a  distinguished  minister  and  teacher,  in 
Philadelphia,  and  subsequently,  after  Dr.  Staughton  became  President 
of  Columbian  College,  in  Washington,  D.  C,  he  spent  two  years  at 
that  institution,  studying  English  branches,  and  Theology.  In  the 
summer  of  1836,  he  emigrated  from  Passumpsic  Village,  Vermont,  at 
which  place  he  had  served  as  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  came 
to  Illinois,  making  the  long  journey,  with  his  family,  in  a  two 
horse  wagon,  the  only  means  of  through  conveyance  known  in  those 
days.  They  were  eight  weeks  on  the  way,  and  arrived  in  Springfield 
on  the  31st  day  of  October.  He  immediately  engaged  as  pastor  of 
the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Springfield,  and  served  for  the  term  of 
two  years.  The  imperative  call  for  missionary  labor  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Association,  induced  his  resignation  of  the  pastoral  care 
of  the  Springfield  Church,    and  on  the  1st  of  November,   1838,  he 


130  Speingfield,  Illinois, 


engaged  as  Missionary  of  the  Association,  continuing  in  that  service 
for  one  year,  as  already  noted  in  our  First  Chapter.  In  1839  he 
removed  to  Alton,  Illinois,  where  he  served  as  pastor  for  one  year, 
when  he  removed,  in  1840,  to  Tazewell  county,  Illinois,  where  he 
spent  the  remaining  six  years  of  his  life.     He  died  in  October,  1846. 


REV.    ALVIN   BAILEY. 

Rev.  Alvin  Bailey  was  bom  in  Westminster,  Vermont,  December 
9th,  1802.  His  father  was  a  deacon  in  the  Baptist  Church — a  man  of 
limited  means,  and  large  family.  It  thus  became  necessary  that 
Alvin,  in  early  life  should,  under  God,  depend  upon  his  own  resources, 
thus  developing:  self-reliance,  and  laying  the  foundation  for  his  sub- 
sequent success.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  years  he  united  with  the 
Baptist  Church.  He  pursued  a  course  of  study  in  Hamilton  Literary 
and  Theological  Institution,  and  graduated  in  1831,  at  the  age  of 
twenty-nine  years.  The  west  was  selected  as  the  field  of  his  future 
labors.  June  29th,  1831,  he  was  ordained  in  Coventry,  Vermont.  In 
September  of  the  same  year  he  was  married  to  Miss  Emily  Ide,  sister 
of  Rev.  George  B.  Ide,  and  soon  after  removed  to  Alton,  Illinois.  In 
Upper  Alton  he  opened  a  school,  which  many  regard  as  the  germ  of 
Shurtleff  College.  He  was  the  first  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  in 
the  city  of  Alton.  From  Alton  he  removed  to  Carrolton,  Green 
county,  and  became  pastor  there.  He  became  successively  pastor  of 
the  Baptist  churches  of  Winchester,  and  Jacksonville.  He  remained 
at  the  latter  place  till  1847.  At  Jacksonville  he  published  the  "West- 
ern Star,"  which  subsequently  developed  into  the  "Watchman  of  the 
Prairies. "  With  a  constitution  enfeebled  by  disease,  he  returned  to 
New  York  to  visit  his  aged  parents  in  1847,  arrange  his  earthly  affairs 
and  end  his  pilgrimage  among  his  early  friends.  His  health,  how- 
ever, improved,  and  he  soon  resumed  his  ministerial  labors.  In  1853, 
in  answer  to  repeated  calls,  he  returned  to  Illinois,  and  again  became 
pastor  of  the  church  at  Carrolton.  He  remained  about  one  year.  In 
the  autumn  of  1855  he  left  the  west,  never  to  return.  A  pastorate  of 
six  years  at  McGrawville,  New  York,  was  followed  by  a  pastorate  at 
Dryden,  which  he  held  until  the  day  of  his  death.  He  died  at  Etna, 
Tompkins  county,  of  typhoid  pneumonia.  May  IGth,  1867,  aged  sixty- 
five  J  ears. 


Baptist  Association.  131 


REV.    ICHABOD   CLARK,    D.D., 

Was  born  in  Franklin  county,  Massachusetts,  October  30th,  1803. 
He  was  converted  Avhen  about  fourteen  years  of  age.  He  removed 
with  his  father's  family  to  Truxton,  New  York,  at  sixteen  years  of 
age,  -xnd  was,  two  years  afterwards,  licensed  to  preach  by  that  church. 
At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  was  called  to  the  pastoral  charge  of  the 
church  at  Scipio,  New  York,  and  continued  in  that  relation  for  nine 
years.  Subsequently  he  held  pastorates  in  the  State  of  New  York, 
at  Lockport,  LaG-range,  Batavia,  LeRoy,  Brockport  and  Nunda.  In 
1848  he  came  west,  under  the  patronage  of  the  New  York  State  Con- 
vention, and  settled  in  Galena,  Illinois,  and  afterwards  at  Rockford. 
At  this  point  he  labored  with  great  earnestness  and  success  for  eleven 
years,  during  which  time  seven  hundred  and  fifty  were  added  to  the 
church ;  nearly  one-half  of  them  by  baptism.  During  an  interim  of 
pastoral  labor  he  was  Superintendent  of  Missions  one  year,  and  sub- 
sequently, held  the  pastorate  of  the  North  Baptist  Church  of  Spring- 
field, two  years.  He  then  returned  to  LeRoy,  New  York,  the  scene 
of  one  of  his  earliest  pastorates,  intending  to  spend  the  evening  of 
his  life  among  the  friends  of  his  earlier  days.  He  remained  there 
five  years.  In  October,  1807,  he  again  accepted  the  Superintendency 
of  Missions  in  Illinois.  His  labors,  for  one  of  his  years,  were  almost 
incredible.  His  success  was  unsurpassed  by  any  one  who  has  filled 
that  position.  Excessive  anxiety,  unwearied  plannings.  fatiguing 
journeys  and  unavoidable  exposures  undermined  his  constitution,  and 
before  the  close  of  the  year  it  became  evident  that  his  work  was  well 
nigh  done.  This  fact  was  more  evident  in  his  heavenly-mindedness, 
in  his  joyous  anticipations  of  the  future  glorious  inheritance  of  the 
Saints.  Desiring  to  wear  his  armor  until  the  close  of  the  conflict,  he 
accepted  a  pastorate  at  Lockport,  Illinois.  He  preached  only  a  few 
sermons  to  his  new  charge,  when  he  was  prostrated  by  disease.  He 
lingered  in  severe  suffering  until  the  Master  called.  He  died  peace- 
fully and  in  strong  faith,  at  Lockport.  Illinois,  April  14th,  1869,  after 
having  labored  actively  and  constantly  in  the  ministry  for  more  than 
forty-eight  years.  Few  men  have  performed  the  amount  of  labor 
that  he  accomplished  in  that  eventful  life.  He  spent  aU  that  time  in 
the  pastoral  office,  except  two  years.  During  that  time  he  preached 
thousands  of  sermons  in  protracted  meetings,  in  which  he  labored 
extensively  for  more  than  twenty-five  years.  Thousands  of  precious 
souls  were  gathered  under  those  labors  into  the  fold  of  Christ.     His 


132  Springfield,  Illinois, 


native  preaching  power  was  scarcely  equalled  by  one  among  a  thou- 
sand. His  power  to  bring  all  his  varied  acquirements  into  the  pulpit 
was  rare  and  admirable,  and  his  all-controlltag  and  all-pervading 
piety  carried  his  brethren  captive  in  the  strongest  bonds  of  brotherly 
love,  as  well  as  giving  him  untold  power  over  the  hearts  and  consci- 
ences of  the  impenitent. 


REV.  BURTON  CARPENTER. 

Rev.  Burton  Carpenter  was  bom  in  Norwich,  Vermont,  March  5th, 
1785.  In  1816  he  was  ordained  as  a  Baptist  minister  in  Schoharie 
county.  New  York,  where  he  commenced  his  long  and  faithful  service 
as  a  preacher  of  the  gospel.  For  nearly  a  third  of  a  century  he 
devoted  himself  unreservedly  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  Little  is 
knowTi  of  his  early  educational  advantages,  but  living  at  that  early 
day  they  must  have  been  very  limited.  By  his  earnestness  and 
studious  devotion,  he  overcame  the  lack  of  the  discipline  of  the 
schools,  and  was  a  successful  winner  of  souls.  He  came  to  Illinois  in 
1838,  but  on  account  of  impaired  health  was,  after  that  time,  often 
hindered  in  the  work  dear  to  his  heart.  He  was  pastor  of  the  Baptist 
Church  in  Decatur,  from  April,  1847  to  April,  1848,  serving  with 
acceptance  and  success.  He  died  in  Ogle  county,  Illinois,  on  the  3d 
day  of  July,  1849,  of  Asiatic  cholera,  in  the  sixty-fifth  year  of  his  age 


Baptist  Association.  133 


REV.  ABRAHAM  B.  HARRIS. 

Rev.  Abraham  B.  Harris  was  born  in  Connecticut,  in  the  year  1808. 
In  early  life  he  emigrated  to  Illinois,  and  having  become  a  member  of 
the  Fountain  Creek  Baptist  Church,  was  licensed  to  preach  on  the 
13th  of  July,  1839.  On  the  13th  of  June,  1842,  he  was  ordained  to 
the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  immediately  engaged  as  a  col- 
porteur and  missionary  of  the  American  Baptist  Publication  Society. 
He  continued  in  this  service  for  the  term  of  seven  years,  until  1849. 
Subsequent  to  that  time  he  was  employed  as  a  Missionary  of  the 
Springfield  Baptist  Association  for  several  years,  as  shown  in  the 
History  thereof,  devoting  his  time  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  within  its 
bounds,  by  preaching,  and  the  distribution  of  religious  books.  During 
his  ministry  he  baptized  five  hundred  and  sixteen  persons,  on  profes- 
sion of  their  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  He  died,  January  24th, 
1862;  aged,  fifty-four  years.  At  the  next  Annual  Meeting  of  the 
Association,  in  September,  1862,  a  Committee  was  appointed,  of  which 
Rev.  Geo.  P.  Guild  was  Chairman,  to  solicit  funds  to  erect  a  suitable 
monument  at  his  grave.  At  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Association, 
in  September,  1863,  the  Committee  reported  as  follows:  "Your  Com- 
mittee have  erected  a  monument  at  the  grave  of  our  beloved  Brother 
Harris.  It  bears  this  simple  inscription :  'He  was  a  faithful  Minister 
of  the  Gospel.'    The  entire  cost  was  |50." 


134  Speixgfield,  Illinois, 


REV.  NEHEMIAn  PIERCE. 

Eev.    Nehemiah  Pierce  was  bom  November  5th,  1837,  in  London- 
deny,  Vermont,  where  for  twenty-five  years  his  father  was  pastor  of 
the   Baptist  Church.     Converted    and   uniting    with   the   church   at 
twenty-one  years  of  age,  he  very  soon  afterwards  devoted  himself  to 
the  gospel  ministry.     Realizing  the  importance  of  thorough  mental 
training,  he  pursued  his  studies  at  the  University  of  Vermont,  gradu- 
ating therefrom  in  1865.     After  a  brief  term  of  study  at  the  Union 
Theological  Seminary,  in  New  York,  he  was  ordained  in  the  spring  of 
186G,  as  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Bellows  Falls,  Vermont.     In 
1868,  after  two  years  service,  he  closed  his  labors  with  that  church, 
and  settled  as  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Coldwater,  Michigan. 
He  served  that  church  two  years,  and  in  November,  1870,  he  became 
pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Springfield,  Illinois.     Never  of 
a  strong  constitution,  and  with  inherited  tendencies  to  consumption, 
the  disease  which  had  for  years  been  lurking  within  him  before  his 
removal  to  Illinois,  very  soon  thereafter  became  more  pronounced, 
and  aggravated  in  some  degree  by  the  duties  of  a  laborious  pastorate, 
he  was  compelled,  after  a  year  and  a  half,  to  relinquish  his  work  for 
a  season  of  needed  rest.     A  four  months  trip  to  Europe  gave  but  little 
relief.     After  his  return,  unwilling  to  give  up  the  service  to  which  his 
life  was  devoted,  he  entered  again  upon  the  duties  of  his  pastorate, 
but  it  soon  became  evident  that  his  earthly  mission  was  accomplished. 
He  preached  his  last  sermon  early  in  February,  and  overtaxed  with 
the  effort,   went  home  to  await  for  a  few  weeks,  the  coming  of  his 
Lord,  and  finally  fell  asleep,  March  25th,  1873,  to  await  the  resurrec- 
tion mom.     The  blessing  of  God  attended  him  in  each  of  his  fields  of 
labor,  and  the  churches  prospered  under  his  ministry.     An  appropriate 
monument,  erected  by  his  devoted  wife,  marks  his  last  earthly  resting 
place  in  Oak  Ridge  Cemetery,  near  Springfield,  Illinois. 


Baptist  Association.  135 


REV.    F.    W.    INGMIRE. 

Rev.  F.  W.  Ingmire  was  bom  September  11th,  1822.  He  was  con- 
verted February  16th,  1843,  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  Z.  Raymond, 
and  by  him  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  the  Pearl  Street  Baptist 
Church,  Albany,  New  York.  In  May  of  the  following  year  he  en- 
tered Madison  University,  New  York,  and  commenced  a  course  of 
study  preparatory  to  the  Gospel  ministry.  He  was  ordained  October 
8th,  1848,  in  the  Pearl  Street  Church,  Albany,  New  York.  Rev.  B. 
T.  Welch  preached  the  sermon  at  his  ordination.  Immediately  after 
his  ordination  he  came  west,  and  October  12th,  1848,  he  preached  his 
first  sermon  in  this  State  in  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Chicago. 
Thence  he  went  to  Joliet,  under  the  appointment  of  the  American 
Bapti^st  Home  Mission  Society.  He  divided  his  time  between  Joliet, 
and  Lockport  Baptist  Churches.  On  the  12th  of  March,  1849,  he  began 
a  protracted  meeting  which  continued  twenty-two  days.  He  was 
aided  in  the  meeting  by  Rev.  Jacob  Knapp.  During  the  meeting 
thirty-seven  professed  faith  in  Christ.  He  remained  on  the  field 
until  October,  1850,  when  he  removed  to  Quincy,  Illinois,  and  sup- 
plied the  pulpit  of  the  church  in  Quincy  until  the  spring  of  1851,  and 
then  became  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Pittsfield,  Illinois.  He 
continued  his  labors  in  Pittsfield  until  December,  1855,  and  then  took 
charge  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Havana,  Mason  county,  Illinois.  He 
remained  in  Havana  until  the  fall  of  1859,  and  then  removed  to 
Springfield,  Illinois.  While  in  Springfield,  he  at  one  time  supplied 
the  church  at  Oreana,  and  during  his  pastorate  the  church  erected  a 
\  good  meeting  house.  He  united  with  the  First  Baptist  Church  at 
Springfield,  and  when  the  North  Baptist  Church  was  organized  he 
united  with  that  body,  and  continued  a  member  until  his  death,  Sep- 
tember 22d,  1876. 


136  Spkingfield,  Illinois, 


REV.   JACOB  BOWEK. 

Rev.  Jacob  Bower  was  bom  in  Lancaster  county,  Pennsylvania, 
September  26th,  1786.  His  jiarents  were  devout  and  pious  Dunkers; 
a  sect  of  Christians  that  took  its  rise  in  Pennsylvania  about  the  year 
1724.  At  the  age  of  twenty-six  years  he  became  the  subject  of  deep 
religious  convictions,  and  on  profession  of  his  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  was  baptized  on  the  first  Sabbath  in  March,  1812.  In  October 
of  the  year  1816,  he  was  licensed  to  preach,  and  was  ordained  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  in  Logan  county  Kentucky,  February  27th,  1819. 
With  a  very  limited  education  his  progress  in  the  ministry  was  slow, 
as  he  labored  through  the  week,  and  preached  on  the  Sabbath.  The 
only  books  he  possessed  were  the  English  Bible,  the  German  Testa- 
ment, and  a  Hymn  book.  These,  together  with  Bunyan's  Pilgrim's 
Progress,  and  Holy  War,  which  he  borrowed,  were  his  only  sources  of 
theological  instruction.  He  served  several  churches  in  Kentucky 
with  acceptance  during  a  period  of  ten  years.  Large  accessions  to 
the  churches  which  he  served  attended  his  ministry.  In  1828  he 
removed  to,  and  made  his  home  in  Scott  countj',  lUtaois,  uniting  with 
what  is  now  the  Winchester  Baptist  Church,  of  which  he  very  soon 
after  became  the  pastor.  After  preaching  for  that  church  four  years, 
so  strong  was  the  anti-mission  spirit,  that  he  was  dismissed  from  his 
pastorate  by  vote  of  the  church,  which  at  the  same  time  declared 
that  neither  he,  nor  any  one  who  was  in  favor  of  missions,  should  be 
allowed  to  commune  with  the  church.  With  a  persistent  and  kindly 
spirit  he  continued,  however,  to  prosecute  his  labors  in  the  ministry 
as  opportunity  was  offered,  until  the  opposition  gradually  gave  way,  * 
and  the  current  of  public  sympathy  in  that  region  was  turned  to 
favor  missions.  He  was,  in  1832,  connected  with  the  Pleasant  Grove, 
now  known  as  the  Manchester  Baptist  Church,  in  Scott  county,  and 
through  the  agency  of  Rev.  John  M.  Peck,  he  received  a  commis- 
sion, November  19th,  1832,  as  a  missionary  of  the  American  Baptist 
Home  Mission  Society,  with  an  appropriation  of  $100  per  annum. 
The  church  regarded  the  commission  as  an  impertinence,  and  required 
its  immediate  return  to  the  Society.  Yielding  to  the  behest  of  the 
church  for  the  time,  though  it  was  difficult  for  him  to  continue  to 
preach  and  pro%dde  for  his  family  without  the  proffered  assistance  of 
the  Society,  he  returned  his  commission.  Within  a  few  weeks,  it 
having  been  again  returned  to  him,  he  resolved  to  retain  it,  and  act 


Baptist  Associa-tion.  137 


under  it  without  further  knowledge  of  the  church.  But  it  soon  be- 
came known,  and  he  was  placed  on  trial  before  the  church  for  his 
unscriptural  missionarj'  intentions  and  spirit.  The  anti-mission  spirit 
aroused  was  bitter  and  relentless,  but  he  finally  succeeded  in  convinc- 
ing the  church  that  missions  were  not  unscriptural.  So  general  was 
the  anti  mission  spirit  at  that  time  among  the  Baptists  of  Illinois, 
that  the  Morgan  Association,  in  1832,  passed  resolutions  strongly  con- 
demning Missions,  Sunday  Schools,  Bible  Societies  and  Temperance 
Societies.  From  1832  to  1840,  Mr.  Bower  continued  almost  without 
interruption,  as  shown  by  the  Missionary  Table  in  this  volume,  to 
serve  as  a  Missionary  of  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society 
in  Morgan.  Green,  and  Scott  counties,  making  missionary  journeys 
into  Adams,  Pike,  Sangamon  and  Madison  counties,  as  the  call  of 
Providence  led  him  in  the  way.  Since  1856  he  resided  with  his  chil- 
dren in  Macon  county,  where,  in  1858,  he  was  instrumental  in  the 
organization  of  the  Friendship,  now  Oreana  Baptist  Church,  of  which 
he  was  the  first  pastor.  He  died  April  2Gth,  1874,  and  "like  a  shock 
of  corn  fully  ripe."  was  gathered  to  the  Eternal  Harvest,  in  the  88th 
year  of  his  age.  Worthy  compeer  of  John  M.  Peck,  Alvin  Bailey, 
Wm.  Spencer,  and  Jonathan  Merriam,  his  memory  will,  with  that 
of  those  other  pioneer  preachers  of  Central  Illinois,  be  cherished  as 
one  of  the  founders  of  the  churches  which  now  constitute  our  Baptist 
Zion. 


REV.    CYRUS  MINER. 


Rev.  Cyrus  Miner  was  ^orn  in  Stonington,  Connecticut,  Septembei*, 
liSl2.  At  the  age  of  twenty-seven  years  he  was  ordained  as  pastor  of 
the  Baptist  Church  at  North  Stonington,  where  he  served  two  years. 
Resigning  his  pastorate  there,  he  accepted  a  call  to  the  pastoral  care 
of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Wakefield.  Rhode  Island,  where  he  remained 
four  years,  during  which  time  there  were  large  accessions  to  the 
church.  His  next  place  of  settlement  was  at  Martha's  Vineyard, 
Massachusetts,  from  which  place  he  removed  after  a  short  pastorate, 
to  Mystic  Conn,  where  he  served  as  pastor  for  two  years.  His  next 
place  of  settlement  was  Attica,  New  York,  from  which  place,  after 
about  two  years  service,  he  removed  to  Illinois,  in  1855,  and  soon 
after  became  pastor  of  the  Berlin  Baptist  Church,  in  the  Springfield 
—10 


138  Speingfield,  Illinois, 


Association.  He  ministered  to  that  church  one  year,  during  which 
brief  time  he  endeared  himself  to  his  people,  and  brethren  in  the 
ministry,  as  a  faithful  minister  of  Christ.  He  died  at  Berlin,  after 
a  short  illness,  August,  185(5,  aged  forty-four  years.  A  monument 
erected  to  his  memory  by  his  church,  marks  his  last  resting  place,  at 
Berlin. 


REV.    PERRY   BENNETT. 

Eev.  Perry  Bennett  was  born  in  North  Stonington,  Connecticut,  in 
1824.  His  early  life  was  spent  with  his  father  on  a  farm.  He  pur- 
sued his  studies  mostly  under  private  instruction  of  ministers,  who, 
as  was  the  custom  of  that  day,  taught  young  men  who  desired  far- 
ther edu-cation  than  that  offered  by  the  common  schools  bu.t  were  not 
able  to  attend  the  Academy  or  College.  At  twenty-five  years  of  age 
he  was  converted  and  baptized  at  Wickford,  Rhode  Island,  where  he 
was  engaged  as  Principal  of  the  Academy.  In  1 852  he  was  ordained 
as  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Lebanon,  Connecticut,  where  he 
served  two  years,  after  which  he  removed  to  Cold  Springs,  New  York, 
where  he  preached  one  year.  In  1856  he  removed  to  Winchester, 
Scott  county,  Illinois,  where  he  labored  successfully  as  pastor  of  the 
Baptist  Church  for  five  years.  In  18G1  he  removed  to  Berlin,  Sanga- 
mon county,  where  he  was  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  four  years. 
During  the  next  few  years  he  preached  successively  at  Waverly,  New 
Berlin,  Mount  Zion,  and  other  churches  as  stated  supply,  and  during 
the  week  engaged  in  the  work  of  teaching,  »f  or  which  he  had  special 
natural  adaptation.  In  1871  he  removed  to  Springfield  and  became 
Principal  of  one  of  its  public  schools,  and  for  several  months  acted 
as  stated  supply  for  the  pulpit  of  the  North  Baptist  Church,  then 
without  a  pastor.  He  filled  both  these  positions  at  the  time  of  his 
death,  which  occurred  September  5th,  1873.  His  age  was  forty-six 
years.  A  beautiful  monument  marks  his  grave  at  Oak  Ridge  Ceme- 
tery, near  Springfield. 


Baptist  Association.  139 


CONCLUSION 


HAVING  traversed  the  period  of  half  a  century  from  the 
organization  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Springfield,  out 
of  which  the  Springfield  x\ssociation  grew,  it  is  fitting 
that  note  be  made  in  conclusion,  of  the  progress  which 
has  marked  the  planting  and  training  of  our  denomina- 
tional vine  in  this  Central  Valley  of  the  great  West. 
Forty-eight  churches  have  been  connected  with  the  Asso- 
ciation, and  twenty  now  constitute  its  membership.  A  part 
of  those  once  numbered  in  its  membership  have  become 
connected  with  other  Associations,  whilst  others  "are 
not."  Like  the  early  churches  once  planted  in  Asia- 
Minor,  they  have  become  extinct,  and  will  henceforth  be 
known  only  in  history.  The  progress  and  development 
of  this  new  country  have,  by  the  formation  of  new  centers 
of  business,  so  changed  the  centers  of  population  that 
many  of  the  locations  of  churches  at  first  chosen  were  in 
a  few  years,  of  necessity,  abandoned.  Now,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  second  half  century  of  our  denomina- 
tional work,  society  has  become,  to  a  good  degree,  homo- 
geneous, and  the  era  of  planting  has  given  place  to  that 
of  perfecting  the  institutions  of  the  gospel.  The  fathers 
have,  many  of  them,  fallen  asleep.     They  labored,  and 


140       Springfield,  Illinois,  Baptist  Association. 


we  have  entered  into  their  labors.  Denominational  self- 
respect,  as  well  as  loyalty  to  Christ,  demands  of  the  Bap- 
tists of  this  Association,  renewed  consecration,  and  a 
vigorous  prosecution  of  denominational  work.  Some  of 
our  churches  occupy  houses  of  worship  which  although 
adequate  to  the  needs  of  society  thirty  years  ago,  are  no 
longer  equal  to  the  demands  of  the  present  age.  The  call 
for  an  intelligent  and  educated  ministry  was  one  of  the 
early  demands  of  the  churches,  and  its  supply  at  that 
time  was  met  chiefly  as  ministers  came  from  the  older 
states.  Now,  as  the  tide  of  emigration  has  rolled  on  to 
the  shores  of  the  Pacific,  new  communities  demand  such 
assistance  as  was  given  to  this  region  forty  years  ago, 
and  our  churches  owe  it  to  themselves  to  provide  the 
means  for  the  education  of  the  rising  ministry  within 
their  own  borders.  The  fact  that  three  of  the  most  promi- 
nent pulpits  in  our  denomination  in  the  Atlantic  States 
are  filled  by  men  of  western  birth  and  education,  viz : 
Eev.  Frank  M.  Elhs,  D.D.,  of  Boston ;  Eev.  H.  M.  Galla- 
gher, D.D.,  and  Eev.  Jesse  B.  Thomas,  D.D.,  of  Brooklyn, 
New  York,  all  of  whom  were  former  members  of  churches 
in  the  Springfield  Association,  two  of  them  having  been 
baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  the  Springfield  Baptist 
Church,  is  a  just  source  of  gratitude  to  God  for  His  bless- 
ing upon  the  work  of  the  fathers,  in  the  earlier  days  of 
our  history.  May  the  successes  of  the  past  be  a  stimulus 
to  renewed  consecration  in  the  upbuilding  of  the  Kingdom 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 


45^t- 


